Why Three Words Instead of New Year’s Resolutions?

Why Choose Three Words to Guide Your Year?

I used to find resolutions disheartening.  My resolutions – I would make them and break them with new speed each year.   I changed my thinking a few years back as a result of a Tweet I saw on social media.   As the calendar turns and we step into a new year, the world buzzes with talk of resolutions and lofty goals. But let’s be honest—how often do those resolutions stick? For many, they feel rigid and fleeting, leaving us with more frustration than fulfillment.

That’s why I’ve embraced a different approach: choosing three guiding words for the year. These words act as a compass, gently steering my focus and actions, while allowing room for flexibility and growth. Over the years, this practice has become a powerful tool for creating intentional and meaningful change in my life.

If you’re looking for a way to shape your year with clarity and purpose, here’s how—and why—you might want to create your own three words.

Why Choose Three Words?

1. They Create Focus
   Instead of juggling a long list of resolutions, three words distill your intentions into simple, meaningful themes. They help you identify what truly matters and offer a guiding light for decisions, big or small.
2. They Are Flexible
   Life is unpredictable, and goals can change. Guiding words provide structure without rigidity, allowing you to adapt while staying aligned with your values.
3. They Go Beyond Tasks
   Unlike resolutions, which often focus on achieving specific outcomes, guiding words shape your mindset and actions. They become a framework for how you approach life rather than a checklist to complete.
4. They Can Evolve with You
   Your words might take on new meanings as the year unfolds. This adaptability allows them to grow alongside you, providing depth and insight as your journey progresses.

How to Choose Your Three Words

1. Reflect on Your Life Right Now
   Ask yourself:
   • What’s working well, and what feels out of balance?
   • Where do I want to grow, heal, or focus my energy?
   • What values or themes do I want to embody in the coming year?

Take some time to journal or meditate on these questions. Your answers will reveal patterns and priorities that can guide your word choices.

1. Start with a List 
   Begin brainstorming a list of words that resonate with you. They can be aspirational, practical, or deeply personal. Words like Empower, Balance, Joy, Grow, Strength, or Curiosity might come to mind. Don’t overthink it—write down whatever feels meaningful.
2. Refine Your List
   Review your list and consider:
   • Which words feel the most powerful or relevant?
   • Do these words connect to your goals, values, or challenges?
   • Do they balance each other? For example, pairing an action-oriented word with a grounding one might create harmony.

Narrow your list to three words that feel deeply resonant.

1. Consider How They Work Together
   Your three words should complement each other, creating a well-rounded guide for your year. For example:
   • Balance, Connection, and Courage: Focus on equilibrium, building relationships, and stepping out of your comfort zone.
   • Nurture, Action, Today:  What action can I take today to nurture my future.
   • Strength, Curiosity, and Flow: Encourage resilience, exploration, and adaptability.
2. Careful of Filler Words
   • Words like of, the, and – are wasted words for the year.
   • Don’t use “Finish the Book” or “edit and publish”, it contains filler and is too focused.
3. Trust Your Intuition
   The right words will feel like they “click.” Trust your gut when finalizing your choices.

How to Use Your Words

1. Make Them Visible
   Write your words somewhere you’ll see them daily—on a sticky note, in your planner, or as your phone’s wallpaper. This keeps them top of mind.
2. Create a Daily Reminder
   Craft a simple question or affirmation to reflect on your words. For example, if your words are Nurture, Action, and Today, you might ask yourself, “What action can I take today to nurture my future?”
3. Let Them Guide Your Decisions
   Use your words as a lens when faced with choices. Ask yourself: Does this align with my values? Does this support the focus I’ve set for myself?
4. Revisit Them Regularly
   Check in with your words throughout the year. Reflect on how they’re influencing your life and whether they’ve taken on new meanings or prompted growth.

Why It Works

The power of this practice lies in its simplicity. Three words offer focus without restriction, clarity without rigidity. They become a framework for how you live, helping you align your actions with your intentions. And unlike resolutions, which often fade by February, guiding words stay with you, evolving and supporting you throughout the year.  The first year did not go perfectly for me, and there have been years I wonder what I was thinking by selecting a particular word.  Looking at you Patience.

Ready to Choose Your Words?

If you’re ready to start this journey, take a moment to reflect, brainstorm, and refine. Whether your words are bold and aspirational or quiet and grounding, they have the power to transform your year—and maybe even your life.

So, what three words will guide you in the coming year? Choose with intention, and let them light your path forward.