Message In The Middle

Set Your Intentions: Choosing a Word to Guide Your Year - A Solo Episode with Marianne

Marianne DeMello-Smith Season 1 Episode 140

Whether you're looking to simplify your goals, gain clarity, or just live more intentionally, you're in the right place. This week, we're diving into finding a guiding word or theme for the year.

Why Choose a Guiding Word or Theme?

  • Simplifies Goal Setting: Instead of rigid resolutions, a guiding word or theme provides an "overarching intention," acting as a compass rather than a specific goal. 
  • Clarity and Direction: A guiding word offers focus and eliminates distractions.
  • Gentle Motivation: The focus is on intentions and guidance, not strict requirements. 
  • Decision-Making Filter: A word or theme helps evaluate opportunities.
  • Embracing Intention: The word should reflect the desired energy and vibe for the year, focusing on intention and conscious choices rather than checklists.

How to Discover Your Word or Theme:

  • Reflect on the Past Year: Review highs, lows, challenges, joy, growth, lessons, and unmet goals.
  • Visualize the Year Ahead: Consider desired feelings (e.g., empowered, peaceful) and goals in areas like career, relationships, wellness, and personal development.
  • Look for Patterns and Clues: Journal, write down words, phrases, or ideas during reflection.
  • Recurring Messages: Note any words that consistently appear in conversations, media, or thoughts.
  • Narrow It Down: Assess if the word resonates deeply and excites.
  • Alignment Test: Determine if it's relevant to multiple life areas, expansive, and motivating.

Activating Your Word or Theme:

  • Daily Reminders: Create visual cues like phone wallpapers, sticky notes, or journal entries.
  • Intentional Living: Use your word as a filter for new opportunities and commitments.
  • Integrate it into daily practices like affirmations, meditation, or journaling.
  • Share your word with an accountability partner or community.
  • Reflect and Reconnect: Schedule regular check-ins to assess alignment with the word.
  • Adjust goals or intentions as needed, based on life's evolution.
  • Journal about the word's impact and celebrate successes.

Hear about Marianne's Word/Theme of the Year

  • Hear how and why Marianne made the choice she did.
  • Hear ho

Connect with Marianne:


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