2023 was my fifth consecutive year choosing a “word of the year”. I much prefer choosing a dedicated word to set my intentions for the year ahead rather than making new years resolutions.

My word for 2023 was “strength” and, as always, as the year comes to a close I like to reflect on how it has helped me over the last 12 months.

In a way, it was the perfect word because it ended up being bookended by two pretty emotionally challenging periods on which I really had to draw on my inner strength. But, that wasn’t the only reason I chose it.

In last year’s blog post I wrote:

I want the strength of mind to be confident in my business choices, I want the strength to combat imposter syndrome and comparisonitis, I want the strength to support others, I want the strength to face any more challenges that come my way and, in a more literal way, I want to increase my strength and fitness which has been bottom of my priorities for far too long!

How has “strength” helped me this year?

I signed up for a fitness membership

To work on my physical strength, I signed up for an online membership. The relaxed nature of fitting in the workouts with my varying schedule worked well. I invested in some weights and really felt the benefit of taking a little bit of time out to focus on increasing my strength. I did well for two and a bit months but let things slide once wedding season got into full flow! Never-the-less, it was a good start and something that I hope to fit back into my routine in the new year.

I said no

This is something that I am getting better at year after year. Having the strength of conviction to say “no” to opportunities that don’t feel right or to decline photoshoots and pass them on to fellow professionals who I feel would be better suited to the job.

I travelled alone

I stay away in hotels by myself all the time but it has been 20+ years since I have travelled alone. This year I ensured that I finally made a solo trip out to New Zealand to visit family. Sure, it was a solo trip with a safety net but whilst I was out there I also pushed myself to take a solo trip across the water to visit Sydney. Probably the first proper solo holiday I have ever taken overseas in my life. Yes, I missed the companionship of sharing the trip with someone else but I also loved being able to take things at my own pace and do exactly what I wanted, when I wanted!

I drew on my inner strength

Mentally, I have certainly had to lean on “strength” to help me throughout 2023, not just to help me but also to help me give support to my loved ones. The last year has been a bit of a rollercoaster – the sad loss of a family member, a beloved pet and a good friend – as well as reaching the first anniversary of the death of another family member who we lost at the end of 2022.

What do I want from my word next year?

I want a word that makes me feel like I did in New Zealand – the slower pace, the lack of stress, the relaxed and laid-back nature. I want to have the freedom to take my time – not just with photoshoots and editing etc… but also with decision-making, to take a breath and not rush. Unlike previous years, I’m finding it difficult to narrow it down to the right word - for the last couple of years my word of the year has jumped out at me immediately! But, after careful consideration, my word for 2024 is going to be:

Measured

At first glance it doesn’t seem like a hugely inspiring or fun word but I feel as though it encapsulates what I want for the year ahead. I want to be able to take a measured approach – to use it to rein me in when I get excited and am eager to rush ahead but also to spur me on when I lack motivation. Of course, taken another way, I want to use it to measure my performance, to keep track of business stats (you all know I love a spreadsheet!) so that I can continue to build my business in the years ahead.

Have you chosen a “word of the year”? I’d love to hear what it is and how you are hoping it will help you in the year ahead.