We’re two months into 2022. Have you made plans for your year? Do you have any goals or focus for the way in which you’d like things to go or how you would like to move in this new year? If not, let me make a suggestion for something that might help you get started. Pick a word or phrase that will serve as your year’s theme or motivation.
My word/phrase for 2022 is “Confident Assertiveness”.
A quick Google search supplies several definitions for “confidence”. Here are two of my favorites:
Confident:
- a feeling of self-assurance arising from one’s appreciation of one’s own abilities or qualities.
- the feeling or belief that one can rely on someone or something; firm trust.
Similarly, Mirriam Webster defines “assertive” as being “disposed to or characterized by bold or confident statements and behavior” or “ having a strong or distinctive flavor or aroma”. Those definitions exemplify exactly how I want to navigate this new year. I’ve worked hard and diligently over the years, cultivating my knowledge and experiences to position me for success. As a result, I have a firm trust, self-assurance and appreciation of my own abilities, and that’s not arrogance or bragging, either. It is, literally, the result of all of my hard work over the years. I have learned that it is completely ok to be confident in myself. I’ve earned that privilege.
When it comes to assertiveness, I aim to be bold in both word and deed. I love that second definition of “having a strong or distinctive flavor or aroma”. Even though the definition literally applies to food or scents, I like the idea of my presence leaving a “distinctive flavor or aroma”. I want my character to leave an indelible mark on those that I encounter, in the best way possible. My experiences have given me the confidence to walk through each day with assertiveness, knowing that I am empowered to do things I need to do and to let go of the things that don’t serve me anymore. What about you? What words or phrases are you using to set the tone for the year? Think about them, and whatever they are, may they motivate you to be the most excellent version of yourself yet!