I’ll be the first to admit it – sometimes, my goals are a LOT! I have huge things I want to accomplish, and I have lots of to-do items that are attached to those things. But often, I get a little bit overwhelmed with how much is on the list. Can you relate?

One thing that I’ve found that helps me is to choose a “WORD,” mantra or power phrase that I can repeat when I need to be reminded of my goals or start feeling paralyzed or overwhelmed.

The last two quarters of the year are by far my busiest season, and this year I was so swamped that I was teetering on the edge of burnout. But there was one phrase that came up when I was journaling that resonated with me on a deep emotional level: “Be the girl that GETS IT DONE.” Any time I felt stressed, I would repeat my phrase. It put me in the right mindset: just do it, and stop making excuses. It was something I could return to constantly – and it helped move me through my mountain of a to-do list.

Choosing a word, mantra, or power phrase for empowerment and focus can be a simple yet powerful tool to help you tackle those New Year’s goals and resolutions! Here are some tips to help you find the right one:

• Select a word or phrase that resonates with your personal aspirations and core values.
• Keep it simple and positive. Choose a word or phrase that is easy to remember and positively framed. It should uplift you and create a positive mental image.
• Once you’ve chosen your word, ​keep it in front of you​ as much as you can. Whether it’s writing it in your journal, making it the screensaver on your phone, sticking post-it notes on your desk, or all of the above, make sure you don’t forget it!
• Remember that this mantra or word isn’t set in stone. Update or change it as you grow and your goals evolve, reflecting your current journey.

Selecting a “word” can serve as a guiding principle, helping to align actions and decisions with one’s overall vision for the year. Some popular WORD choices are:

• GROWTH: for focusing on personal or professional development.
• BALANCE: for aiming to create a healthier work-life balance.
• JOY: for seeking happiness in life’s simple pleasures.
• SIMPLIFY: for reducing clutter or complexity in life.

Or perhaps a mantra or power phrase resonates more with you and can be a source of motivation and guidance, especially during challenging times. Here are some examples:

• “Progress, not perfection.”

This is a reminder to focus on moving forward and improving, rather than striving for unattainable perfection.

• “One step at a time.”

A reminder that success is a journey, and each small step toward your goal is progress.

• “Do your best, release the rest.”

Encourages you to give your all to your efforts while accepting that the outcome is beyond your control.

• “Effort creates opportunity.”

Reinforces the idea that hard work opens doors to new possibilities.

Remember, the right word or phrase can act like a compass, keeping you focused and centered no matter what life throws your way. It’s less about the word itself and more about the meaning and intention behind it.

Have you chosen a theme, word, or power phrase for your year already? I’d love to hear from you!