For a few years now I’ve watched as people I follow have picked 1-3 words to focus on. As Christopher S Penn as described it, “It’s something of a mantra, something of a phrase we used to remind ourselves what we are supposed to be focused on at any given time during the year.”

While interesting, I haven’t taken the time to do so until this year. Now I realize the first month of the year is almost over, but I picked my word near the beginning. Plus, now that I’ve had a little time to test it out I think it’s more appropriate to write about it. So without further ado, my 1 word for 2017 is…

Present

…and in case anyone is confused about what variation I’m referring to it’s “the period of time that is happening now”. In other words: being present in the present. Some may call it being mindful.

On the off chance you’re wondering why I happened to pick being present it mostly has to do with building connections and trying not to miss things because I’m distracted. Our kids only grow up once, and if you’re buried under a pile of work or have your nose buried in your phone you’ll miss it. I think this video does a great job of touching on the topic…

… So now, if you’re like me you’re probably asking, “ok, so what are you actually going to do?”. I’ve already started by turning off nearly all notifications on my phone (yes, there are a few exceptions, but it would probably be in all of our best interests to find the notification settings on our phones). I’ve turned off email notifications at work (no, I don’t need the toaster popping up every time I get an email). I’m trying to remind myself to keep my phone in my pocket except for when I’m sitting down and not with others (lunch, walking the halls, etc). And as of today I’ve buried the Face Space app on my phone (will still be able to post, but the goal is to not check it except for 1 time a day and from a laptop/PC).

What about you? Have you ever picked a word or words to focus on for a year? What did you pick and why?

See also:
http://chrisbrogan.com/3words2017/
http://www.christopherspenn.com/2017/01/my-three-words-for-2017/
http://myoneword.org/pick-your-word/

“These are weapons of war”. “Nobody I know or have ever met in my entire life should have access to a weapon that can kill so many people so quickly”