Streamlining

Welcome to 2021! I know it’s been a while since we spoke, but new year, new start and all that, right?

One of the first things I do with the new year – and I know I’m not alone – is to select a word of the year. If you don’t know what this is, it’s basically a single word that represents the theme of your goals for the coming year. In the past I’ve used things like BELIEVE (because I was not so confident in myself or my abilities) and CREATIVITY (to remind myself that no idea is too silly, and every thought is worth exploring.)

This year, my word of the year is STREAMLINE.

Last year, I found myself apologising an awful lot.
Sorry I missed that email.
Sorry I forgot to post to the blog. (sorrryyyyyyy)
Sorry I didn’t get my own draft of my own book finished by the time I wanted it to be done.
Sorry dinner is late.
Sorry all the socks are odd (how does that even happen? One day I’m going to catch that odd sock fairy and we will have words.)
Sorry I didn’t have the mental space to think, let alone post to social media, read a book or even brush my hair.

Just… sorry.

Eeek! Now, covid craziness aside, my headspace was clearly too scattered to focus on the many, many tasks I’d set for myself. I have a bad habit of saying yes to everything, and my list of tasks was highly unrealistic.

So this year I decided I’d bring everything back in, prioritising the tasks I thought the most necessary and sloughing off anything that didn’t fit the bill.

It wasn’t easy – it meant setting aside projects that I had really wanted to complete. But I decided I’d rather focus on a smaller list and have a better chance at completing things than to have my hands so full that things were constantly spilling over the sides.

Because at the end of the day, apologising all the time – particularly to myself – takes an emotional toll which makes it more difficult to pick up and start over again. Much better, I think, to be proud of achieving realistic goals than self flagellating on the altar of regret (and incomplete to-do lists).

Having the word STREAMLINE stuck to my planner or written on my hand or scribbled on the mirror is there not only to remind me to keep it cool, but to motivate me to dedicate the time I’ve regained to finishing my tasks. Last year, I was not proud of what I achieved. This year, I want that to change – and I don’t believe in making wishes on fishes and watching them swim away. I believe in doing.

What about you? Do you set a word of the year? If you’re comfortable, share in the comments or sling me an email – I’d love to know what it is and why you chose it. And if you’re not comfortable, that’s okay too. Just know that we’re all in this together, and rock your day like you own it – because you do.

Peace!

Sammy
xoxo