My 3 Words for 2013 – Control, Positive, Effective

The beginning of a new year is always exciting. You can start new. You are hopeful for a great upcoming year. You are optimistic. It is a time to reflect and plan for the future.
Just like last year, I’ve picked three words that I will keep in mind throughout 2013. The 3 words idea came to me when I read What Matters Now, a series of short essays each on a different word. It’s a free eBook conceived by Seth Godin and edited by Ishita Gupta. Chris Brogan has encouraged others to select their 3 words for the year.

My 3 words for 2013 are Control, Positive and Effective.

CONTROL – Professionally, I need to do a better job of controlling the situation around me.  Others come into my area and I have allowed that way too often in the past.  I will be more forceful.
POSITIVE – I am basically a positive, happy person.  But there are times I am negative and complain.  I need not do this in 2013.  I want to be positive, happy, optimistic at all times.
EFFECTIVE – I’ve always been a person that gets things done.  Now not all of the stuff was effective.  I need to analyze better on what is effective.  Personally I need to make sure that I spend my time wisely.  Maybe it is not watching that TV show.  Maybe I should be a the gym getting healthier or volunteering at a charity event.
I will try to keep these 3 words in mind throughout the year.

In 2011 my 3 words were Focus, Streamline and Active.

In 2012 my 3 words were Relax, Engage and Active.  I think I did a good job on the 1st 2 words but definitely could have done better on the 3rd word.

What are your three words for 2013?

My 3 Words for 2012 – Relax, Engage, Active

The beginning of a new year is always exciting. You can start new.  You are hopefull for a great year.  You are optimistic. It is a time to refect and plan for the year.

Just like last year, I’ve picked three words that I will keep in mind throughout 2012.  The 3 words idea came to me when I read What Matters Now, a series of short essays each on a different word. It’s a free ebook conceived by Seth Godin and edited by Ishita Gupta.  Chris Brogan has encouraged others to select their 3 words for the year.

My 3 words for 2012 are Relax, Engage and Active.

RELAX –  My mind is always on the go.  I do think about work way to much.  Often times waking up with thoughts of what needs to get done at work.  I do need to RELAX more and not worry about work, family and the future all the time.  Nothing is gained by being stressed.  I will take more moments to relax in 2012.

ENGAGE – 2012 was a busy year for me.  I did many things but often times they were done either individually or with my team at work.  I am much better at engaging with people then doing individual tasks.  I need to get out more and talk to clients, vendors, partners, employees and consultants.  I need to travel more and go where they are.  I need to expand myself and my comfort zone.  It will be fun to get out and ENGAGE with others and be very beneficial to myself, others and my company.

ACTIVE – To get stuff done I need to be ACTIVE and “Just Do It” or “Ship It”. I need to have energy so eating right, getting the necessary sleep and working out are very important.  I need to stop sitting behind my desk and get outside and walk more.

I will try to keep these 3 words in mind throughout the year.

In 2011 my 3 words were focus, streamline and active.  I think I did a good job on the 1st 2 words but definitely could have done better on the 3rd word.  That is why I kept it for 2012.

What are your three words for 2012?

What Matters Now

Seth Godin has gotten more than 70 people to contribute a one-page essay with a one-word title to form an ebook called What Matters Now.  I just finished reading it.  Here is the link to it and I highly recommend that everyone read this ebook:

http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2009/12/what-matters-now-get-the-free-ebook.html

Some quotes from the ebook:

• “When times are tough, vision is the first casualty.  Before conditions can improve, it is the first thing we must recover.” – Michael Hyatt
• “Today, with so much change and uncertainty, so much pressure and new ways to do things, the middle of the road is the road to nowhere.” – William C. Taylor
• “The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second best time is now.” – John Wood
• “Never stop learning. Read books. Learn from others who have done it before. Learn by doing.  Theory is nice, but nothing replaces actual experience.” – Tony Hsieh of Zappos
• “Power comes from an ability to build your reputation, create efficient and effective networks of social relations, act and speak in ways that build influence, and from an ability to create and employ resources—things that others want
  and need.” – Jeffrey Pfeffer
• “Harmony is a springboard. Harmony supports teamwork. And teamwork creates energy. An energy that fuels creativity.” – Jack Covert
• “Never tell a lie. Credibility is everything for an evangelist. Tell the truth—even if it hurts. Actually, especially if it hurts.” – Guy Kawasaki
• “The real way strong communities are built is through the compassion we extend to others. Both to those we
  know, and to those we don’t know.” – Mitch Joel
• “I believe the thank you economy will become the norm in 2010 and beyond, and brands that fail to adjust will be left out in the cold.” – Gary Vaynerchuk
• “You grow (and thrive!) by doing what excites you and what scares you everyday, not by trying to find your passion.” – Derek Sivers
• “Don’t worry too much about getting things done. Make things happen.” – Gina Trapani
• “Mistakes happen. How you apologize matters.” – Jason Fried

What I love about this is Seth took the time to gather acquintances to submit pages to the book.  This could be done by anyone.