Happy New Year!

I decided to approach the end of 2017 / beginning of 2018 a little differently this year than I have in years’ past. Most years, I do a whole bunch of recap posts and ramp up with a ton of new content right at the beginning of the year… and this year, I didn’t do that.

2017 was a really good year for me. I know it was a very tough year for many people, but it was a transformative year for me. Sure, I made a ton of mistakes. But I grew A LOT. It was my best year in business ever, I formed so many new relationships, and I really felt like I began to find my voice. I am nowhere near where I want to be yet, but I feel confident that I’m on my way there.

This year, instead of ramping up and producing a ton of content at the end of the year and beginning of a new one, I decided to take a break. I stayed off social media a lot, I spent more time relaxing (and taking naps!), and enjoying time with friends and family. It was a very much needed reset.

This week I’ve been spending time in my PowerSheets goal planning and dreaming for the year. I’ve shared before that I’m not a “New Year’s Resolution” person because I believe you can start anything any time and each day we are given a brand new opportunity to create something… but I do like to use the New Year as a fresh start.

I would love to share my goals with you, if you are even interested in reading them – if you are, let me know in the comments or shoot me a message on social media or email! I’d love to do monthly goal setting and recaps!

The one thing I did want to share with you for now is my 2018 verse and word of the year. I love doing a word of the year and I love sharing my word of the year with you. (Mainly because I also love hearing YOUR word of the year!) In past years my word has been intentional, purpose, and flourish.

This year, as much as I tried to run from it, my word of the year was crystal clear to me. I honestly kept trying to find a DIFFERENT word, but this one kept coming back to me over and over again.

My 2018 word of the year is: 

FOCUS

And this year, I have a Bible verse to go along with it… 

“I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back. So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it.” – Philippians 3:12-16 (MSG)

The moment I read it, I knew that Focus was my word of the year. Focusing on God’s Word and His plan – opening myself up for the opportunity to just listen. Focusing on what truly matters. Focusing on the task at hand. Focusing on my goals. Focusing on my family. Focusing on my marriage. Focusing on my children. Focusing on creating lasting memories.

This year is about not getting distracted with stuff that just doesn’t matter. This year is about keeping my focus where it needs to be and really digging deep into what matters in my core.

I am so excited. If 2018 builds off of 2017 in any way, I know it’s going to be a phenomenal year. And I believe that it can be for you, too.

What about you? Do you have a word of the year? Share yours with me in the comments!