Since 2011, rather than selecting resolutions, I’ve chosen one word to help guide my year. It’s more than a ritual; it’s a word that is carefully selected and woven throughout my life for the year, and I think about it often. It’s quite amazing to reflect back and remember. You can find one word reflections for past years here: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016.

2017’s one word was intentional.

I was more intentional with my relationships, spending more time with the people I love and those entrusted to me at work. I intentionally mentored close to one dozen people throughout 2017; the fun part was that I did it mostly in secret. It was intentional for those people and for me – a quite enjoyable giving of my time and knowledge.

I was intentional with my money. I saved money, stopped giving to organizations that didn’t align with my passions or weren’t showing a return on my investment or just weren’t grateful for my contributions. On the converse, I gave intentionally to others in ways meaningful to me – and hopefully them. I spent my money on intentional items unlike I’ve ever done before. I spent 10 days in Europe with my husband, celebrating a friend’s nuptials and our wedding anniversary. It was a blast and worth every penny and minute.

I was intentional with my time. I completed several professional works that will be published soon; I cannot wait to share those with the world. I read 19 books, putting a serious dent in my “to-read” list. And, I said “no,” to a lot of things – many at work; I am extremely proud of myself for saying no because despite what people say, it’s culturally and professionally taboo to do so. As much as I love my work, it is not my number one priority. I’ve been intentional in keeping my priorities my priorities.

I was intentional with my goals. I finally applied for – and was accepted to a doctoral program. Ten years after completing my dual master degrees is nursing and business, I head to Duke University in a few days as part of Duke University School of Nursing’s Executive Leadership inaugural cohort.

What a year 2017 has been. I am ready for 2018, and I’ll share 2018’s one word tomorrow!

How was your 2017? Did you use one word to guide your year? How was it? Are you planning to use one word for 2018?