Since 2015, I have chosen one word for the year. A word to serve as a “theme” or guide for the year ahead. In most years since I have started this practice, I have settled on a word fairly quickly. But this time around, it took a little longer.
Mindset – a habitual or characteristic mental attitude that determines how you will interpret and respond to situations.
So much about 2020 really threw me off my game. I felt like I spent a great deal of time reacting and dealing with the negative energy of others. Whether it was related to the pandemic, the racial unrest, or the election on a large scale, or to my job or watching some “friends” reveal their true colors on social media on a more personal level, the year was often an emotional roller coaster, leaving me feeling depleted. In selecting Mindset as my word for this year, it serves as a reminder to me that while I cannot control outside forces, I do have control over the energy I allow in and how I choose to respond.
What's your word for 2021? Focusing on my #Mindset #oneword #tuesday topics Click To Tweet
Have you picked a word for the year?
I’m linking this with Kim and Zenaida for the Tuesday Topics Link-Up.
Such a good word! I haven’t chosen a word, but if I did it would be strong. I want to frame my thoughts and actions in that way. Like you, it’s been a really tough time for me. Seeing some very old friendships fizzle because of what they’ve said or what they believe…just yesterday, I was upset about that. Staying strong, staying the course, all those things I’ve learned from running are going to be put to good use this year!
I guess I could have written a post about this, lol. We got this, Michelle!
Thanks Wendy! I think strong is such a good word choice for you!
This is such a strong word for 2021.
i really love that you said “I cannot control outside forces, I do have control over the energy I allow in and how I choose to respond.” That’s something that I need to keep in mind for sure!
I just felt so overrun by so many outside forces last year – it was exhausting. Hoping to do a better job of protecting my own energy.
Can I steal your word? (ha ha.) If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that life may not go as planned! “Mindset” is the perfect theme for a year where it’s so hard to make plans or set goals- but we do have the choice of how to respond to each situation, no matter what happens. I love it!
Jenny recently posted…New Year, New Me!
Thanks Jenny – steal away 😉
We totally are riding the same wave . I learned a long time ago that our attitude (or mindset, if you will) is all on us, regardless of what our circumstances dictate. We can’t let the naysayers, haters and trolls bring us down 🙂
So true! 🙂
What a great word, Michelle!
I haven’t picked a word, but after reading all these posts, including yours, maybe I should.
Having the right mindset can give you a strong armour that makes you invincible to all the ugliness going on.
I’m sure the word will be a great companion this year!
Catrina recently posted…A Quick 10k And A Slow 10 Miler
Thank you Catrina – I hope so!
This is great.
You control everything you do. It’s up to use to change things or accept things the way they are.
We just need the right mindset.
Thanks for reminding me,
I’m now trying to figure out ways to keep this word front and center so I don’t forget.
Mindset is a great word for the year! I’ve been thinking a lot about this too. It really opens up your perspective!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…January Wellness Goals and December Goal Recap
I agree – it really does!
This year really did throw us all dor a loop! I like the idea of mindset it’s a good one. I am leaning toward thankful. This year has shown me just how important so many things and people are and what things really don’t matter.
I think thankful is a really good choice. Always important to focus on gratitude.
I’ve found that in good times it’s so easy for people to mask their true characters but when stress comes along (and I would say the pandemic certainly created that!) their true colours are revealed and sometimes it can really take us by surprise. And once revealed, it’s hard to un-see.
This is an awesome word – mindset. I love it. My phrase for the year is Health and Strength (in the physical sense). But my personal word is DARE – I’m too cautious and need to put myself out there more.
Shathiso recently posted…Is It Foolish To Plan For 2021?
You are so right – it is hard to un-see!
Dare is a powerful word – I like it!
Mindset is a great word, Michelle. It’s similar to what I was considering at some point. I think we all need to adjust our mindset at times!
2020 is a year that challenged us all, but you’re right, you have to concentrate on the things you can control.
Thanks Judy – here’s hoping that 2021 proves to (eventually!) be a less challenging year!
Perfect word. I love this “while I cannot control outside forces, I do have control over the energy I allow in and how I choose to respond.”
Thank you for linking up with us!
Zenaida Arroyo recently posted…Tuesday Topics: My word for 2021
Thank you Zenaida.
This is a great word to hold yourself accountable to. I know a lot of my stress is self-imposed, and need to control the input that sends me over the edge …
It’s hard to tune out the noise, but I’m going to do my best to try.