A recent survey by Forbes Health found that the average resolution lasts just 3.74 months.  So it is no surprise that people are shifting from setting New Year’s resolutions to intentions or a word of the year that will guide them in decision-making and goal-setting.

As we usher in a new year, I find it helpful to select a guiding word that encapsulates my intentions and goals for the upcoming months. This year, that word is CREATE. But, this isn't just a word; it's a manifesto, a beacon guiding me toward unleashing my creativity, innovating, and bringing new ideas to my life and my business. As a Virgo, I am full of ideas but in 2023 I learned I let fear stop me from fulfilling my true potential and creating things I loved and wanted to share with the world.

But what does that truly mean? Let's break it down.

Why CREATE?

When we think of creation, we think of bringing something new into existence. It's an act of generating, invoking, and catalyzing. It's a powerful word that carries the weight of potential and possibility. I love new beginnings and the start of a new year always gives me a huge sense of purpose and freshness.  2023 taught me so many things; mainly how I spent the first 6 months of the year feeling unfulfilled, crying all the time, and sometimes not understanding why.  

I had so many ideas that remained on paper or in my head. I also had the opportunity to take some of my ideas to life and many didn’t work which also reminded me of the power of failure. But let's delve deeper into what this word means for me in 2024.

Create to Unleash

We're all inherently creative beings. This year, my goal is to unlock the boundless creativity within me. I want to break free from the mundane and explore uncharted territories of imagination. I want to let go of the 'what ifs' and create freely, without judgment. I'm excited to see what this mindset brings into my life.

Create to Innovate

My use of the word 'create' isn't just about making new things. It's also a pledge to innovate. It's about not just accepting change, but being the catalyst for it, whether in my career, personal projects, business, or the community I now live in. I'll be looking at things that aren't working and creating time for introspection and some tough decision-making.

Create to Nurture

More than creating new things, 'create' for me is about nurturing and developing ideas, relationships, and skills. It's a holistic approach to growth and development. The act of creation isn't a one-off event; it's an ongoing process that requires care and attention.

Create to Heal

Another aspect of creation that resonates with me is its therapeutic nature. Creativity is a means to express emotions, process experiences, and find inner peace. This year, CREATE is my pathway to mental wellness and emotional balance. After dealing with a range of emotions in 2023, I've realized that I never took the time to truly heal. This is something I'm committed to changing in 2024.

Create to Connect

Finally, through creation, I aim to connect. I want to foster a community of creators who support and inspire each other. Social media has been a huge catalyst in building deep connections with amazing people, and I plan to use these tools to deepen these bonds in the coming year.

What's Your Word for 2024?

I've shared my guiding word for the year, now it's your turn. What word will guide you in 2024? Share in the comments so we can support each other in our journeys!