New Year New Word
Each year I think about a word that I want to help me provide structure and provide a system to enable my new habits and goals room to flourish. As the previous year comes to a close, I spend time thinking about my word for the coming year.
It takes me back to the days of choosing baby names when I would write out, say aloud, and then ponder different combinations in an effort to choose one that felt right.
Words I have Used
In 2014, it took me forever to come up with my word. Right when I was about to give up, I saw the word, “Believe” on a shopping bag, and knew it was meant for me. One year I chose the word, “Forward”, and another “Innovation” was my word as I tried something new each month. Last year, the word “Real” came to me in a dream, and so I picked it.
This Year I knew my word in early November.
The Inspiration
Over the summer I read Deena Kastor’s book, Let Your Mind Run, and got an idea for my word. One of the things Kastor talks about is seeing her impossible as a runner, and literally chasing the most amazing version of herself. Over the summer, I started using the hashtag, #Chaseyourimpossible2019.
I loved it so much, that at the start of December, I wanted to claim #Chaseyourimpossible2020, so I began using that during the last 30 days of the year.
I have added a few other hashtags to tell my story, like #BuildingtheroadtoBoston, #Fueledbyfaith, and #itstime. But, the word “Chase” continues to stand out. To me, it captures equally important words like focus, forward, drive, growth, and potential.
However, I don’t think a word has ever provided me so much energy and excitement!
As I embark on a new year, one that will be filled with accomplishing huge running goals, I could not be more excited about the momentum that goes with the word, CHASE!
What I am Chasing
In addition to chasing my impossible as a runner, I decided to focus on 52 different things this year. Each week I am going to chase something new that I want to improve or be more aware of. Since you can only chase one thing at a time, I am going deep with topic each week.
Week 1, that began hours ago, has launched a race, where I am chasing Long Term Planning.
The Process
Each week my process will involve assessing where I am starting from, as well as reflecting on why I want to learn more about the area. Then, the plan is to research by reading, listening, and observing people who do well in my goal area. Then, I can select a few action steps and apply my knowledge.
Possible topics to chase might include
Kindness, An organized kitchen, a genre of book I don’t read often, each one of my kids, my husband, methods of cooking, family history, my favorite president, simplicity, a country I want to travel to, financial concepts, elephants, the number 11, an author I love, mindfulness, and patience are a few things I am curious about.
I am excited to think about topics to chase, but also want the year to unfold naturally! My shoes are ready! I can’t wait to start running.
Enjoying Every Mile 