My 3 Words for 2012
Chris Brogan has been framing his years — how he wants to focus on the next 12 months — since 2006. Each year he sets out 3 words that he will use to plan out his next year.
And in his email newsletter, he challenged readers to do the same. Come up with 3 words, and act on those 3 words in 2012.
Thanks, Chris, for challenging me. Here’s the words I came up with on how I want to live my life in 2012.
My 3 Words
Passion
I love this word. It’s so evocative. What this word means to me is fulfill my passions and seek out new ones. I love blogging, crafting words into coherent posts, and I want to do it more. My blogging on this blog fell off in 2011. For those things I’m passionate about, put all of my effort and energy into making those things great.
But this word also means I need to focus on keeping what I’m passionate about in my life and let go of the things that I’m not passionate about. Weed out what is unnecessary.
Challenge
This word was inspired by a couple of things: One a post I wrote last year about getting out of my comfort zone, and two a pin on Pinterest (right) that reinforces what I wrote in my post.
In my personal and professional lives, I need to challenge myself. Take on tasks I normally would ask for help with. Without challenge, I won’t grow and learn and accomplish new things. A challenge is integral to growth.
Connect
I’ve made a lot of great friendships and met new people through social media. I want to learn more about those people who I’ve met and continue to meet new people, online and offline.
But I also want to reinvest in old friendships and connect on a deeper level with those people. Bonds can break easily if they’re not continually nurtured, and I need to remember that.
What are your 3 words for 2012?
mansquees from polleydan 
Yes! I discovered this last year and like it far better than making resolutions (especially seeing as I’ve been making and breaking the same one for ten years). My words for 2012 are balance, fun and flexibility.
Happy New Year, Dan!
Yes, I dislike resolutions because typically you stick to them for only the first few days or weeks. With words, it’s easier to live by for the entire year, like they’re a motto.
Same as it ever was.
M&Ms
Spotted Cow
Mike’s Hard Lemonade
[mrburnsvoice]Excellent.[/mrburnsvoice]
Dan, great post! I especially like your focus on challenge. Some of the best learning, personal growth, and professional growth comes from when your are put into situations that fall outside your comfort zone. Create a “hang-out” in the grey area, be ok with the unknown, there is learning in the wobble.
~Sharif Renno
Thanks, Sharif. You need to find comfort in uncomfortableness.
Great post Dan. I’m also loving you and your wife’s recipes on Pinteres by the way 🙂 Three words – that is totally doable for resolutions. My three – health, learning and commitment.
Great three words, Susan. I hope your 2012 lives up to them.
You brought tears to my eyes. Mom
Thank you!