My Three Words for 2014

Inspired by Chris Brogan's approach to "resolutions" and reading and thinking I've done over the last year and more I've identified my own three words for 2014.  Based on average life expectancy it is fair to say I am at or have just passed the middle of my life.  What do I want to do with the next 40 years? How will my life be different, better, remembered? And what life lessons am I modelling for my children? 

These are the questions I had in mind while trying to think of my three words. In large part I was motivated by a feeling that I've mostly been "winging it" through life and I don't want to do that anymore. I want to make conscious choices that lead me down a desired path. I want to get stuff done. I don't want to look back and say 'if only...'  And as it happens some interesting opportunities have been placed in my path in 2014 that require me to make clear choices. Not just for myself but for our whole family.  

Following Chris's model I've set out my big story, vision and goals. Turning those into plans and milestones and getting them into the daily calendar is the next step. In the past I haven't really looked beyond the year ahead of me. At how acting on resolutions would get me where I want to go. I've tried to be more aware of that, more mindful, this time.  And by writing them down, in this way, here, I am hoping to instigate some level of accountability, a key focus this year. So here goes:

The Big StoryContributing to a more sustainable way of living personally, at home, in my community and globally.

VisionThat every day I contribute in some way to ensuring or enabling a way of life for myself and others that does not harm or degrade the environment, contributes to social justice, and is economically viable.

GoalsWell Being: I will be a fitter, healthier me, mentally and physically at the end of 2014. For me this is about exercising daily and eating better (more fruit and veg, less 'white food', more nuts and seeds). But it also about being more calm mentally, about being present and mindful. And about taking the time to care for myself; making and keeping regular appointments for example.

AccountAbility: In 2013 I got stretched too thin. Work took over, everything else got sidelined and because I lost grip on the wheel I failed to deliver on promises I made to myself and others. This goal is about reversing that. It's about delivering on my potential. About ensuring I keep promises or commitments I make to myself, my family, friends, colleagues and others. It is about getting things done.  It is also about tackling a constant thorn in my side, my financial health.  This is the year to lose the money fear. To learn basic business accounting. To get my Super in order and to carve out that future house buying plan.

Explore: When life gets crazy busy I bunker down. I don't want to go anywhere or do anything. I just want to coccoon myself away and try and work my way out.  This year I want to open up to new opportunities, experiences, places and people. I want to learn more - about myself, how to do things, other cultures, languages - and I want to visit new places in Australia and elsewhere. I also want to explore solutions to our sustainability challenges as a family, indeed to explore and set our goals as a family too.

So there they are, my three words for 2014: Well Being, AccountAbility, Explore. What do you want in the year ahead?