You are likely familiar with the concept of New Year’s Resolutions – which are also historically already broken by mid-January.

Back in 2015 I came across the Three Words concept from Chris Brogan. Here’s more about this idea …

What is My 3 Words About?

The My Three Words idea is simple. Choose 3 words (not 1, not 4) that will help guide your choices and actions day to day. Think of them as lighthouses. “Should I say yes to this project?” “Well, does this align with my three words?”

How to Choose Three Words

My first year I only chose 1 word. “Present.” My aim was to be more involved in the moments around me. The next year I picked these very simple words and I have been doing so ever since.

Choose any three words you feel will guide you forward. I can tell you a few things about this:

• Don’t make it a phrase. “Publish the book” is a terrible choice. “The” is wasted.
• Try to make the words actionable. “Expand” is better than “bigger.”
• The more utilitarian the word can be, the better. These words have to be your compass.
• Stick with the 3 words all year. Every time I’ve changed one a month or two later, the year mucks up. I can’t explain it. But I can report it.
• Years where I’ve tried “fancy” words with layers of meaning, I lost the thread. Use plain words, maybe.
• BUT the words don’t have to mean anything to anyone but you. Don’t worry about explaining them.

Review Them Daily

The more you review your 3 words, the better. I have mine built into my daily life – they are part of the Wallpaper on my Laptop. I try using them for a mantra when I can. Sometimes on walks, I just repeat them over and over. I like to reflect on them and meditate a little with those words in mind.

Past Iterations of My 3 Words

2015 – Present
2016 – Essential. Matter. Connect.
2017 – Ask. Invest. Involve.
2018 – Quiet. Ask. Do.
2019 – Streamline. Value. Real.
2020 – Embrace. Movement. Impact.
2021 –  Curious. Listen. Map.

And now, let’s look at 2022

My 3 Words for 2022

Rethink – One thing I’ve noticed is I can be quick to correct or take a stance in situations where it can easily turn into “right fighting.” Over the past couple of years I’ve begun asking more questions and seeking to discover what I may not know, even when I’ve thought I knew it beforehand. Rethink is exactly that … ask better questions and be curious to learn more.

Act – There are too many times when intention is not enough – there must be action. Act is the reminder to move, implement, involve and engage in life and family and health and community.

Share  – We all should be learning continually, but holding onto the knowledge or ideas serves no one ultimately. Share is exactly that – share what I discover, learn, experience, and have so everyone has the chance to discover more and connect better.

What Are YOUR Words for 2022?

It’s your turn: either join in the discussion on the my.smr.fm platform, or share it wherever you like to share.

See you in 2022.