Every year I pick my word of the year (WOTY).
My chosen word serves as a guiding focus, helping me direct my attention and grow intentionally toward the path I envision for the year to come.
Why choose a WOTY?
Because...
Where focus goes, energy flows.
And where energy flows,
whatever you're focusing on grows.
~Tony Robbins
The above quote isn't just a saying, it has roots in the neuroscience of attention and how attention affects our ability to recognize opportunities and form habits.
A quick explanation:
Our brains use enormous amounts of energy - 20% of what the entire body uses. There's a limited amount available at any given time.
When we focus on something, the brain identifies it as 'important' and sends that valuable energy (nutrients) to the parts involved.
The area of the brain called the RAS (Reticular Activating System) acts like a filter to notice things important to us in our environment. So when we pay a lot of attention to something, the RAS picks up on even more things related to that focus of attention.
The more we focus on it the better our brain gets at noticing and processing it.
Tada! Whatever we choose to pay attention to becomes more important.
It's not magic, it's the way our brains naturally work!
Back to my WOTY 2025
Joyful Fortitude
The year will bring challenges for all of us. Some of them chosen, some not. Some exciting, some not so much. So, I'm calling on more fortitude.
Fortitude is resilience, courage, patience, and perseverance all rolled into one. I intend to embody more fortitude this year but, not at the expense of the joy. I want them both – intertwined. Hence - Joyful Fortitude. (Yes, WOTY can be a phrase.)
To convey fortitude, I Googled images and the results were heavy on big cats, big biceps, and scowling squared jaws. Oh-so-grim. Then, I remembered Yoga's Warrior Pose.
Strong. Grounded. Patient. Focused. Persistent. Open. And joyful!
Ways Joyful Fortitude can be helpful in times of transition:
Life changes can bring uncertainty and setbacks. Fortitude helps you persevere, while joy keeps your spirit buoyant, reducing burnout when adapting to a life circumstance or a new role.
Let joyful fortitude help you approach change with curiosity and a willingness to learn rather than fear. Practice gratitude or mindfulness to stay grounded during uncertain times.
Joy allows you to stay hopeful and focused on opportunities rather than setbacks, which is crucial during uncertain times.
For example, try considering another perspective on a setback, like a layoff more than an ending – as a chance to explore a more fulfilling path.
New perspectives help you find innovative solutions to challenges during transitions such as exploring non-traditional career paths or ways to leverage your skills in unexpected roles.
Joyful fortitude can shift your attention from losses to personal growth, helping you embrace the change as a transformative experience.
This can look like building new skills during a career pivot and celebrating small milestones along the way.
The resilience developed through joyful fortitude makes you approachable and collaborative, which can strengthen your support network during changes.
Try engaging with mentors and peers for guidance and building connections in a new field.
A joyful and resilient attitude inspires confidence in yourself and others, such as potential employers or collaborators so you can approach interviews or networking with enthusiasm and authenticity.
What's your word of the year?
Judy Garfinkel helps you clarify "what's next." Her expertise in building confidence and resilience supports personal development and the ability to navigate career and work transitions – especially now! She is a certified Trauma Informed Coach. Judy also crafts bespoke resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn profiles, and bios that open doors for her clients and land jobs. Judy is a Past President of the International Coaching Federation - Connecticut Chapter, where she led 250+ member coaches. You can reach her at judy@moveintochange.com.
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