Yesterday, I provided some highlights from my 2023 word of the year.

There were some questions at the end to prompt you to consider your own word for 2024.

That might have got you thinking.

You might also have wondered where to start.

There is no “right” process, but I thought sharing mine might give you some inspiration.

My Process

After reflecting on the year past using my reflection workbook, I write an overview for how I want to grow in each area of wellbeing in the year ahead. 

From that writing, I create a summary word or statement.

The result looks like the chart below.

Once I have the chart, I start to see if there are commonalities across the categories.

I jot all those ideas down.

Then, I shift to inspiration lists to look for connections. 

Below is a list of 200 possibilities to get your creative juices flowing:

Add anything you connect with to your original list.

Once you have this combined list, let it soak.

When you are going about your day, these ideas will marinate in the background.

Keep narrowing the list until you get down to the final choice.

There is no perfect word – don’t fret over trying to find one.

The goal is to connect with a word that will inspire you and serve as a reminder of your goals.

Your Turn

What was on your original list?

What words on the inspiration list connected with you?

Have you narrowed down to just a few words?