“Approach the New Year with resolve to find the opportunities hidden in each new day.”

The start of a brand new year calls for a little end-of-year reflection and of course, taking time to envision the future- setting the tone for the year ahead.

I know that a lot of people like to set New Year’s Resolutions or New Year’s goals. I’m normally a big fan of goal setting (as you may know, I set them weekly in my Start Your Week Right Sunday posts), but for the New Year, I like to experiment with something a little bit different.

For the fourth year in a row, instead of setting goals or resolutions, I choose three words to guide my year. 

I keep these three strong and powerful words in mind as an intention throughout the year to keep me focused on the big picture.

In 2013, my three words were: passion, simplify and balance.

In 2014, my three words were: radiant, instinct and clarity.

In 2015, my three words were: light, choice and possibility.

Here are the three words that I’d like to guide me through 2016:

1. Value. The word ‘value’ was the very first word that came to mind as I began brainstorming my words for 2016. It holds many different meanings to me. As I embark on my brand new career journey, leaving my full-time job for the world of entrepreneurship, ‘value’ reminds me to always keep in mind what my time, talents and services are worth. This word reminds me to stand strong in those beliefs, even when others may try to bring me down or de-value what I can bring to the table. Similarly, this word also serves as a reminder of what I deserve when it comes to relationships. I spent a lot of 2015 making excuses for others and their behavior, and this word is meant to remind me of what I know in my heart that I deserve. And finally, the word ‘value’ is great to always keep in mind to remind me of what’s important in life, and not to settle for anything less than that.

2. Sparkle. I’ve become somewhat known in yoga for toting my gold glitter cup to class and wearing sparkly headbands that match my outfits. “Jess, you’re always so sparkly!” people say. It’s a little silly that these quirks helped to inspire my second word for 2016, but I realized that these are the little things in life that set me apart from others. My quirks are what make me shine; they are what make me ‘sparkle.’ The word ‘sparkle’ has many definitions, but one of my favorites is this: “to be brilliant, lively or vivacious.” When we choose to embrace our own beauty, qualities and talents, we can inspire others to do the same. So many of us are afraid to show our true colors, but confidence can be contagious and I hope to emulate the word ‘sparkle’ in my words and actions in 2016.

3. Calm. Ahhhh, calm. Is there a more beautiful and fitting word for the type of year I’m striving for? To be completely honest, I spent much of 2015 feeling anxious. It was a wonderful year, but one in which I pushed myself to my limits, and not always in a healthy or sustainable way. Believe me, I know 2016 will be filled with challenges of its own, but I’m hoping to be able to approach any setbacks or opportunities from a place of calm, rather than a place of anxiety or worry. Of course, I still hope that 2016 will brings many moments of passion and excitement, but in a general sense, I’d love to feel more peace this year. Yoga has certainly helped-learning to breathe on purpose has made a huge difference and in 2016, I’d like to introduce daily meditation to bring an even greater sense of calm and stillness to my days. Don’t you think we could all use a little more calm in our lives?

What are your three words for 2016? Do you believe in setting goals or making resolutions for the New Year? If so, I’d love to see them! Share your goals or words in the comments below.

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