I’m breaking with convention a bit here, and instead of three words to frame my year, I’m choosing four. They’re all related, and intertwine. They may or may not make sense to you, but perhaps they’ll get you thinking about yours, and what your guideposts will be for the coming year.
Discipline.
This has several connotations to me, related to all facets of my life. Discipline in how I choose my endeavors, to be sure they fit into the bigger picture (see Chords below). Discipline in terms of patience and temperance, to step back and breathe before I react, assume, or imagine the worst (the opposite of which is one of my weaknesses). The discipline to let my thoughts simmer sometimes, and come together when they’re ready, instead of feeling like I have to force them. The discipline to make time in my day for the things that are important to me, whether that’s doing a puzzle with my daughter, or setting aside dedicated time to read or write.
Canteen.
I used to love to camp as a kid, and set off on adventures through the woods with my knife and a canteen full of water. The trick? The canteen only holds so much. And if you can’t find a fresh water source to replenish it, you’re out of luck (and thirsty, which can end up dangerous). I learned the hard way in 2009 that I have a tendency to chase after some things so hard that I leave little water in the canteen for other things. The result? Burnout. It’s related to Discipline. I need to learn how to ration my energy and time so that it’s used in the right places, when I can make the most of it.
Chords.
I have, at any one time, several things I’m trying to do at once. From my day job to my other professionally-related passions to my personal interests, they really need something to tie them all together.
In music, if you’ve got a chord progression on paper – a unifying language, if you will – you can improvise a bit with those chords and scales, and still stay pretty well in sync. It’s a theme. A thread. But not spelled out to the detail. You can take a few liberties, or you can play straight. But those threads of tonality through the whole thing will keep you moving in the same, coordinated direction, even if you vamp for a while. I need that.
Fleet.
It’s rarely a single ship that manages to get anything done. It’s usually a fleet of ships, and each one has a purpose within the overall expedition. Most importantly of all, no one person can sail all the ships at once, and each ship needs a captain, in charge of their own mission within the fleet. I need to hone my delegation skills, and my ability to empower and equip people while letting them own their own course.
So, those are mine for this year. Have you thought about what ideas or themes are going to keep you on track this year? I’m curious to see if mine help for the long haul, and how I might have to tweak them along the way. If you’ve posted on yours, please share below. And if not, leave a comment and let us know what you’ve got planned.
image credit: ayel Aheram
Good ones! Thanks for the reminder to do the 3/4 words to focus on.
Good ones! Thanks for the reminder to do the 3/4 words to focus on.
Discipline is one of my words this year too!! This is such a brilliant way to frame a year of excellence. Great words – great work!!
Discipline is one of my words this year too!! This is such a brilliant way to frame a year of excellence. Great words – great work!!
Amber,
I think it’s an interesting way to drive yourself through all the year and never forget what will help you do your decisions and prioritize your doings. Thanks for the recomendations.
Best Regards,
Claudio.
Amber,
I think it’s an interesting way to drive yourself through all the year and never forget what will help you do your decisions and prioritize your doings. Thanks for the recomendations.
Best Regards,
Claudio.
This was a joy to read – I’m going to rebel and do a four word charter as well! What a great idea!
Thanks Amber
Peace and Be Well
BG
.-= Bobby Gallagher´s last blog ..Protected: Talent Release Agreement =-.
This was a joy to read – I’m going to rebel and do a four word charter as well! What a great idea!
Thanks Amber
Peace and Be Well
BG
.-= Bobby Gallagher´s last blog ..Protected: Talent Release Agreement =-.
Wonderful frame of reference for 2010. Taking my cue from Chris Brogan’s post on “my three words,” I’ve struck on a trinity for efforts in the new year: sovereignty, empathy, focus.
Kind regards.
.-= Deborah´s last blog ..Before the fact: Walter Benjamin on blogging =-.
Wonderful frame of reference for 2010. Taking my cue from Chris Brogan’s post on “my three words,” I’ve struck on a trinity for efforts in the new year: sovereignty, empathy, focus.
Kind regards.
.-= Deborah´s last blog ..Before the fact: Walter Benjamin on blogging =-.
Discipline is one of my words this year, too, but more in terms of “discipline”: simple actions repeated consistently over time create discipline. To do this, I’ve created small categories of actions that I will dedicate small amounts of time to each day in order to develop these disciplines or habits that I desire. For instance, I want to read one book a week this year in an effort to broaden my vocabulary, world of ideas, writing skills, etc. To do that, I’ve dedicated to read from a book (not a blog, not my e-mail, but a real book) every morning over breakfast to start my day. I have similar habits I’m working on regarding health and fitness, writing and relationships.
You have some good stuff here, Amber. Thanks for sharing and always keeping us on our toes. – M
Discipline is one of my words this year, too, but more in terms of “discipline”: simple actions repeated consistently over time create discipline. To do this, I’ve created small categories of actions that I will dedicate small amounts of time to each day in order to develop these disciplines or habits that I desire. For instance, I want to read one book a week this year in an effort to broaden my vocabulary, world of ideas, writing skills, etc. To do that, I’ve dedicated to read from a book (not a blog, not my e-mail, but a real book) every morning over breakfast to start my day. I have similar habits I’m working on regarding health and fitness, writing and relationships.
You have some good stuff here, Amber. Thanks for sharing and always keeping us on our toes. – M
This is great advice Amber! Love the idea of “rationing” your energy, after all there is always an opportunity cost to everything we do. 2010 is definitely about focus for me too 🙂
.-= Maria Reyes-McDavis´s last undefined ..If you register your site for free at =-.
This is great advice Amber! Love the idea of “rationing” your energy, after all there is always an opportunity cost to everything we do. 2010 is definitely about focus for me too 🙂
.-= Maria Reyes-McDavis´s last undefined ..If you register your site for free at =-.
Hi Amber, thanks for the insights. I once conducted an experiment where I needed to put my brand done in ONE word. It’s a challenging exercise. Perhaps ONE word could give you the Chording you want!
.-= Al Hanzal´s last blog ..5 Ways to Promote Your Facebook Fan Page =-.
Hi Amber, thanks for the insights. I once conducted an experiment where I needed to put my brand done in ONE word. It’s a challenging exercise. Perhaps ONE word could give you the Chording you want!
.-= Al Hanzal´s last blog ..5 Ways to Promote Your Facebook Fan Page =-.
A joy to read, as always~! I would add “Flex” to the list…personally, maintaining a flexible attitude is very important. This keeps my ears and eyes open to new ideas. Flex also reflects an ever growing strength in learning.
TY, Amber~!
~Janet
A joy to read, as always~! I would add “Flex” to the list…personally, maintaining a flexible attitude is very important. This keeps my ears and eyes open to new ideas. Flex also reflects an ever growing strength in learning.
TY, Amber~!
~Janet
Amber, I love the idea of “chords”! My interests are so varied that I often feel like I’m “spinning”; no one thing getting the correct attention or focus. In the past four months, I have added two personal blogs, one alumni board and increased participation in a trade networking group to my responsibility line-up…it sounds like I’ll be donning some new “day job” hats in the near future, too. How nice it will be to close my eyes and hear a theme when I start spinning…perhaps it will turn into more of a dance?:)
Going to take my yoga mat upstairs to an empty office and see if I can catch the tune now…thanks for the post!
Amber, I love the idea of “chords”! My interests are so varied that I often feel like I’m “spinning”; no one thing getting the correct attention or focus. In the past four months, I have added two personal blogs, one alumni board and increased participation in a trade networking group to my responsibility line-up…it sounds like I’ll be donning some new “day job” hats in the near future, too. How nice it will be to close my eyes and hear a theme when I start spinning…perhaps it will turn into more of a dance?:)
Going to take my yoga mat upstairs to an empty office and see if I can catch the tune now…thanks for the post!
Amber,
Thanks for writing this post. Set me up with a fantastic framework for 2010!
.-= Josh Chandler´s last blog ..Why “leaving your online shopping basket” can be a great litmus test =-.
Amber,
Thanks for writing this post. Set me up with a fantastic framework for 2010!
.-= Josh Chandler´s last blog ..Why “leaving your online shopping basket” can be a great litmus test =-.
Amber,
I love your four words. Discipline is actually one I pondered for myself as I considered my own three words. Ultimately, I decided upon “chef” thanks to the recent post “Hope Got a Cookbook” from Jon Swanson. (You can read that post here: http://levite.wordpress.com/2009/12/29/hope-got-a-cookbook/)
I figured it was time I get cookin!
Your word “Chord” reminds me of a scene I saw yesterday in my backyard. The wind was fierce, blowing the trees back and forth. It suddenly occurred to me that I need to be a bit like those trees – flexible in my ability to move with the ebb and flow of life and business. Inflexible trees break in strong winds (burnout). I suppose in some ways we can bend, sway and bob in the wind – improvising within the key – and still stick close to our roots.
It’ll be fun to see how our journeys are similar and different in the months ahead. Best wishes for a great 2010!
.-= Cheryl Smith´s last blog ..What’s Glove Got to Do With It? =-.
Great video, Cheryl…thanks for sharing!
.-= Beth Coetzee´s last blog ..Why I loved 2009 =-.
Amber,
I love your four words. Discipline is actually one I pondered for myself as I considered my own three words. Ultimately, I decided upon “chef” thanks to the recent post “Hope Got a Cookbook” from Jon Swanson. (You can read that post here: http://levite.wordpress.com/2009/12/29/hope-got-a-cookbook/)
I figured it was time I get cookin!
Your word “Chord” reminds me of a scene I saw yesterday in my backyard. The wind was fierce, blowing the trees back and forth. It suddenly occurred to me that I need to be a bit like those trees – flexible in my ability to move with the ebb and flow of life and business. Inflexible trees break in strong winds (burnout). I suppose in some ways we can bend, sway and bob in the wind – improvising within the key – and still stick close to our roots.
It’ll be fun to see how our journeys are similar and different in the months ahead. Best wishes for a great 2010!
.-= Cheryl Smith´s last blog ..What’s Glove Got to Do With It? =-.
Great video, Cheryl…thanks for sharing!
.-= Beth Coetzee´s last blog ..Why I loved 2009 =-.
Absolutely Amazing Blog
Top Quality Content
I Will Be Back To Your Blog Always
.-= Mark McCulloch´s last blog ..Time Management – 4 Key Tips to Time Management That Help You Run Smoothly =-.
Absolutely Amazing Blog
Top Quality Content
I Will Be Back To Your Blog Always
.-= Mark McCulloch´s last blog ..Time Management – 4 Key Tips to Time Management That Help You Run Smoothly =-.
Excellent as usual Amber! Your first two are especially resonant with me, but all 4 definitely apply. I really liked Marianna’s comment above about discipline and how she is creating categories with small amounts of time carved out for certain activities. This is something I need to get better about if 2010 is going to be the best it can be for me. As I’m typing this, I have 23 open tabs in my web browser – it’s out of control! I have to get better about disciplining myself on how much I’m going to read and when. There isn’t enough water in the canteen for all of this, and I’ve got to make some choices on what I pursue.
Thanks for the encouragement Amber! It’s always a pleasure to chat with you. 🙂
@brandon101
.-= Brandon Sutton´s last blog ..Marketing that inspires =-.
Excellent as usual Amber! Your first two are especially resonant with me, but all 4 definitely apply. I really liked Marianna’s comment above about discipline and how she is creating categories with small amounts of time carved out for certain activities. This is something I need to get better about if 2010 is going to be the best it can be for me. As I’m typing this, I have 23 open tabs in my web browser – it’s out of control! I have to get better about disciplining myself on how much I’m going to read and when. There isn’t enough water in the canteen for all of this, and I’ve got to make some choices on what I pursue.
Thanks for the encouragement Amber! It’s always a pleasure to chat with you. 🙂
@brandon101
.-= Brandon Sutton´s last blog ..Marketing that inspires =-.
I opened a fortune cookie once and read the words: “Be patient. Good things come to those who wait.” Truer words were never more applicable to your description of Discipline. I especially identify with how you describe letting your thoughts simmer for a bit and then act on the fully-baked impressions instead of rushing off on a half-developed thought.
Great post. I’ll be back.
I opened a fortune cookie once and read the words: “Be patient. Good things come to those who wait.” Truer words were never more applicable to your description of Discipline. I especially identify with how you describe letting your thoughts simmer for a bit and then act on the fully-baked impressions instead of rushing off on a half-developed thought.
Great post. I’ll be back.
This is a GREAT way to set a powerful context for your year. I especially love the uniqueness of the words you chose. I am curious as to how you plan to keep this context present and alive for yourself. I find that can be one of my biggest challenges.
Regarding your word “Chords” you may appreciate this post from a highly regarded composer. Watch the video in her post titled Four Chords – it is an amazing demonstration of just how many different songs have been published using the same four chords!! http://www.heather-fenoughty.com/blog/2009/02/04/the-usefulness-of-a-chord-progression/
.-= Susan Mazza´s last blog ..Casting off the “Good Junk” =-.
This is a GREAT way to set a powerful context for your year. I especially love the uniqueness of the words you chose. I am curious as to how you plan to keep this context present and alive for yourself. I find that can be one of my biggest challenges.
Regarding your word “Chords” you may appreciate this post from a highly regarded composer. Watch the video in her post titled Four Chords – it is an amazing demonstration of just how many different songs have been published using the same four chords!! http://www.heather-fenoughty.com/blog/2009/02/04/the-usefulness-of-a-chord-progression/
.-= Susan Mazza´s last blog ..Casting off the “Good Junk” =-.
This is a great idea and is something I am going to do this year. Thank you for sharing your words.
.-= Barbara´s last blog ..Adding Personality to Your Website =-.
This is a great idea and is something I am going to do this year. Thank you for sharing your words.
.-= Barbara´s last blog ..Adding Personality to Your Website =-.
Really good post. Discipline is the one that resonates with me. I’ve been self-employed for three years now, but I still find myself able to waste time in the day. I’m using working off-site and an alarm throughout the day to stay focused and busy. And a definite quitting time each day so I create a clear boundary between work and time off.
.-= Juli Monroe´s last blog ..Serendipity Rules! =-.
Really good post. Discipline is the one that resonates with me. I’ve been self-employed for three years now, but I still find myself able to waste time in the day. I’m using working off-site and an alarm throughout the day to stay focused and busy. And a definite quitting time each day so I create a clear boundary between work and time off.
.-= Juli Monroe´s last blog ..Serendipity Rules! =-.
Hi Amber,
first of all, I just found your blog recently and am totally thrilled! I love your writing style and the thought provoking posts you write.
I am always in the process of self-improvement and I really connected with this post. Until now, I never thought of my goals in terms of themes or broken them down into words. I love this idea and this is what I have come up with for my life . . . as you mentioned, discipline in so many respects. Focus, I tend to jump around easily. Truth, to live MY truth this year, not what anyone else thinks I should or shouldn’t be doing, but really getting in touch with my core and own it! And last but certainly not least, FUN! I want to take a step back and allow myself to have fun and enjoy life, it’s not slowing down and who knows how much time is left and I will have no regrets when my head hits the dirt!
Thanks and I look forward to many more thought provoking posts!
Virginia ~ http://y-desygn.com/ydesygnblog/
Hi Amber,
first of all, I just found your blog recently and am totally thrilled! I love your writing style and the thought provoking posts you write.
I am always in the process of self-improvement and I really connected with this post. Until now, I never thought of my goals in terms of themes or broken them down into words. I love this idea and this is what I have come up with for my life . . . as you mentioned, discipline in so many respects. Focus, I tend to jump around easily. Truth, to live MY truth this year, not what anyone else thinks I should or shouldn’t be doing, but really getting in touch with my core and own it! And last but certainly not least, FUN! I want to take a step back and allow myself to have fun and enjoy life, it’s not slowing down and who knows how much time is left and I will have no regrets when my head hits the dirt!
Thanks and I look forward to many more thought provoking posts!
Virginia ~ http://y-desygn.com/ydesygnblog/