My 4-letter word of the year

What’s in a word?
Is it a promise? A message?
Could it be an assurance? A guarantee of tidings?

We all can agree—at least—that words definitely have meaning.

But can we also agree that the purpose we give them is their real, true power?

2023 marks my fourth anniversary of selecting a word to set the tone of my year. 2020 was Perspective. 2021 was Balance. 2022 was Homage.

This year, I opted for a 4-letter word.

(It’s probably not what you’re thinking — LOL!)

It’s Grow.

Grow can mean so many things!

Increasing, expanding, developing, rising, progressing, extending, evolving, maturing, and more.

Think of phrases it’s part of …

• the “Growth Mindset” is the belief that a person’s capacities and talents can be improved over time.

• “Personal growth” refers to techniques for improving habits, behavior, actions and reactions.

• “Room to grow” might be the reason to join or leave an employer, choose a hobby or or take on a challenge.

Grow is huge!

For me, the purpose of the word “Grow” means I will focus to:

• bring my whole self to every engagement

• continue fostering a culture of personal growth, respect, and caring for each other at work

• more consciously and determinedly say ‘yes’ and ‘no’ when faced with opportunities

• learn from my mistakes, and help others avoid them whenever possible

• take more frequent, more calculated risks (because there is no comfort in growth!)

• expand my business in the direction of my dreams

And last, but most certainly not least, grow means actively taking care of me, so that I may have more to give. I’m already doing this by forming habits like walking in the morning, going fishing on days worth celebrating, and more.

So, what about you?

What would you include if you chose “Grow” as your word of the year?

Drop me a line and let me know!

My happy place: on the water, fishing. (And celebrating a milestone birthday.)