Every year I select three words that will serve as guideposts for my efforts. If you’re unfamiliar with the exercise, it’s something that Chris Brogan started in 2006.
Listen to this article:
My approach
I write out my three words every day. Doing this keeps them front and centre. It points me in the direction of my goals and grounds me in the work to achieve them.
My process
I take time to reflect on the past year, what worked and what didn’t. I try to gain a clear picture of what I want the next year (and beyond) to look like.
Looking beyond is a critical component. I may use these words for one year, but they are integral to building a foundation for my life and future work.
Sometimes, the words come from specific goals I’ve established. Other times, I jot down words that catch my attention or explore a list of core values that inspire me.
Want to see a few examples?
Previous 3 words from me
Feel free to steal any of these words for your own benefit.
2012: Listen. Act. Inspire.
2013: Live. Learn. Do.
2014: Dream. Create. Explore.
2015: Wellbeing. Kaizen. Leadership.
2016: Start. Observe. Adapt.
2017: Growth. Self-respect. Contribution.
2018: Simplicity. Primility. Creativity.
2019: Jump. Improvise. Recharge.
2020: Ask. Build. Sleep.
And here are my 3 words for 2021…
My 3 words for 2021
It took awhile for me to reach these words. They’re simple, but powerful guideposts that will serve me well over the coming year. I hope.
Move
Move serves me in a few ways. Most importantly, it reminds me to move my body. But it also teaches me to move forward and not dwell too much in the past.
Life is movement. Move to recharge. Move to explore. Move to think.
Think
Spend time in thought. Have the courage to observe your thoughts and feelings in any given moment. Build up your resistance to distractions.
Welcome silence and reflection into your life. Become a better thinker.
Connect
Connect different ideas with each other. Connect with nature more. Connect with yourself and others on a deeper level, so you can move more freely.
I hope to be able to connect with people in a more meaningful way in 2021.
Your turn: what are your 3 words for 2021?
Sharing this exercise makes it more fun.
I’d to love to hear your three words. Drop them in the comments!
Thank you for sharing Olle! I always look forward to hearing what your three words are and your reasons for choosing them.
My words for 2021: contribution, growth and pleasure.
Thanks for sharing your words, Lou! Hope they will serve you well in 2021 and beyond!
Dear Olle,
I discovered your site several months ago and have been enjoying what I’ve been reading from it. Your blog is unique to me. The subject matter and content are refreshing!
This is my first time responding to any of your invites and feel free that I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone.
My three word: Accept, Open, Grow. I’m somewhat shy, and hide behind writing and need just a little time to expound on my words if this is something you’re expecting of your audience. Trust me, this took courage😰
Dear Connie,
Thank you for your comment, and welcome to my blog 🙂 I’m so glad to see that you’ve stepped outside your comfort zone to share your three words with me. It put a big smile on my face and made my day. Very brave indeed! I like how your three words build on each other. Accepting what we can (and can’t) control + being open to new challenges is such a key aspect of growth. Wishing you a great year full of growth and happiness. Here’s to the journey ahead!
(As much as I love the blog comments, you can always reply via one of my emails, too.)
Great Read!
Thanks Olle!
I really enjoyed seeing how far back you’ve had 3 words for.
Love me some traditions 🙂
For moi, it would have to be
Love, Explore and Give
Thank you Dee for being there since the beginning and cheering me on. Love your 3 words. ❤️
A little late to the party, but here goes!
First I want to say how inspiring your blog is, Olle. I’ve had the pleasure to be your colleague for the past few years and knew you’ve been into different kinds of self development just by talking to you over lunch, but I had no idea you’ve been committed to updating this blog for so many years! Ever since I signed up to your newsletter last spring I’ve always appreciated the Sunday mail from you, teaching me something new or reminding me about important lessons of life.
My three words for 2021:
Adapt – Things are changing constantly, and sometimes it feels overwhelming to accept that. I think it’s important to remind myself that nothing stays the same.
Mindful – It could take a lifetime to master, but it’d be worth it. To be in the moment, not only during good times, but also during the inevitable bad ones.
Flow – To setup the conditions to stay focused on a task and just feel completely embraced by the feeling and forget the sense of time and space.
Thank you so much for your comment, Lars-Petter!
It’s wonderful to hear that my blog and newsletter have inspired you to reflect on your life.
Great three words for 2021!
Adapt: Nothing is permanent but change. But what can you control and what’s outside of your control? Teach yourself to know the difference. And remember that it’s OK to feel scared and overwhelmed by change, but you’re not alone. So many other people are adapting to changing conditions. Connecting with others will help you adapt.
Mindful: It’s a lifeskill, well worthy of pursuit. Have you read Frantic World by Professor Mark Williams? I think you’d like it, along with the meditations.
Flow: Which activities bring out the flow state in you? Play around with different environments as well. Nature, walks, and libraries with a big ceiling all do the trick for a nerd like me 🙂
Again, thanks for your kind words and I wish you a fantastic 2021!