Hello 2021! You couldn't get here fast enough for me this year.
On this first day of 2021 a lot of people will make resolutions, but I want to encourage you to try out the #OneWord concept that many people have used the past several years.
I think we all need a feeling of fresh hope as we start out 2021. Vaccines are being deployed. In many ways we have settled in to our new normal. And with the coming of 2021 we are hopeful we've turned the corner and are heading into better times.
#OneWord is intended to help you think about the coming year and make a decision about what you want to accomplish or have as your focus for the coming year. Your one word should be a part of your day to day living as well as something you aspire to throughout the year. You could think of it as your personal theme for the year. Here are some #OneWords that might inspire you to start thinking about your own #OneWord.
FOCUSED
If you’ve never done #OneWord before, you could start by brainstorming as many powerful words and phrases to describe what you plan to do, something you want to improve on or change, or even something you want to stop doing over the coming year. Take a break and come back later to look at your list with fresh eyes. On round 2 with your words, do you notice any patterns or big concepts? If so, that could be your one word. If not, keep playing with the list until you find something you’re comfortable with. Using #OneWord can help sharpen your vision by aligning your daily actions with your long term goals.
Now FOCUS in on everything you do day to day. FOCUS in on your professional goals. Don’t be distracted; stay FOCUSED.
INTENTIONAL
Now, as you start to think about your coming year be sure to keep your #OneWord at the top of your mind. Be INTENTIONAL with your time this year. Set aside time to map out your library's days/weeks/months and stick with it. Choose your conferences and breakout sessions with INTENTION. Don’t waste your time doing things that don’t support your goals and ambitions.
CREATIVE
Think about using Canva or another design tool to create some visuals of your #OneWord. Can you make a gorgeous new screen saver that greets you each morning and reminds you of your #OneWord focus? Think about designing a wallpaper for your phone so you have it front and center every time you get online. You could go old-school with sticky notes and permanent marker. Place the sticky notes on your bathroom mirror, on your dashboard, and anywhere else you glance at daily.
Allow yourself time daily/weekly to do something CREATIVE. Give yourself the freedom to relax mentally and CREATE something just for the pleasure of being CREATIVE. Don’t do things just to mark them off your list. Find a way to do them CREATIVELY.
I’d love to hear your #OneWord for 2021. Send me an email or a social media message to let me know which word will inspire you for 2021.
Use your #OneWord to help you stay focused and to re-center when you are feeling frazzled. Let this #OneWord frame what you do each day. Let this #OneWord shape your plans for the future. You have one thing to do and that's your #OneWord. You can do it!
Dr. Laura
Did you meet Nancy Jo Lambert this week? She has a plethora of resources to help you make your library more inclusive. Listen to her interview today!
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