• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Clare Kumar | Inclusive & Sustainable Performance

Clare Kumar

Powering Up Productivity & Pleasure

Show Search
Hide Search
  • 1-855-356-FLOW (3569)
  • Home
  • Speaking
  • Coaching
  • Products
  • Happy Space
    • Thrive Circles
    • Podcast
  • Blog
  • Media
    • Speaker Media Kit
  • About
  • Contact

How and Why to Choose a Focus Word of the Year

With the start of a new year, it is a natural time for reflection, celebration, and forethought to the year ahead. Many of us will be thinking about New Year resolutions, which I’d prefer to reframe as intentions, but they too often get dismissed after a few days or if you’re lucky weeks. Yes, I believe in setting goals for the year, in six different areas of life (as described in The LifeTime Management Playbook™), and this selection of the powerful, Focus Word of the Year is in addition to that more detailed, recurring planning exercise. Stay with me – I promise it’s worth it. If you were to do one thing related to planning right now, this should be it.

 

Why choose a Focus Word?

When I first learned of the practice (from a source I can’t remember or would gladly credit), my goal was to choose one word to keep top of mind throughout the year as an overarching theme to serve as a powerful tool for focusing intention, guiding attention and ultimately shaping execution. It has had such a strong impact I now consider it a ritual for this time of year.

A word is sometimes about doing, but more often it’s about a way of doing or being. It has the ability to guide your thinking and ultimately your actions. It recurs in your mind to keep you attentive to that which you have decided warrants your energy and resources. It serves as a powerful reminder of how you want to show up.

It’s not a foolproof strategy, for sure, but if I slipped, just keeping the word in mind helped me check in to see how I had missed living my intentions, and prompted me to think about what I might do differently in a similar situation should it arise again. It can quickly centre you and bring you back to intention.

Consider choosing a word more of a foundation. To find your Powerful Focus Word, you will have to dig a little deeper. Your word only has to be meaningful to you and you can keep it completely to yourself if you wish. I did that for the first year.

 

Why just one?

I’ve seen the practice become more popular in the past year with some people choosing one word, and others three or more. Choosing one word is perhaps more difficult than choosing several words, but ultimately for me, has greater impact, and is simpler to apply. If you have more words, you will have to move between them and apply your resources to all. This is how we have to manage things to successfully integrate life, after all. For me, landing on one word has a simplicity and elegance which I crave, and the constraint forces deeper thinking and some tough choices.

That said, one word often has several partner words which go along with it. Find the cluster of related words which help give the depth of meaning you are looking for. This might make it easier to land on one. That word cluster ought to feel like a nourishing broth from which you’ll drink, daily.

As with most things, there is no one way. I invite you to explore the idea and find what works for you. Start with one and if it feels like that isn’t enough, keep going.

 

Does the word only last a year?

Thankfully, no. Powerful words linger. Even though I focused on one word per year, with each it was merely the beginning of a journey in relationship to that word. Learning and experimentation continue. I continue to aspire to the words I chose previously, though more subconsciously now. It feels as if I have absorbed them into my way of being. On my best days, anyway!

 

How to choose your word

Get ready for some extreme self-reflection and simmering. For the past month, I’ve been thinking about my Focus Word for the year. When I come up with something that seems like a fit, I let my mind dance with it, applying it to various situations and feel what it inspires. I tune into how my body reacts. Some words feel onerous and constrictive, whereas others feel motivating. Don’t be afraid to let go of a word and move on. Look for a word you’ll like to tango with this year. One which will lead you towards good things.

Here are some questions to ask yourself to generate your own Powerful Focus Word. To get to your word, you will want to combine careful thought and idea incubation. Let a few words come to you. Feel the word. You’ll know when you’ve hit the right one.

Careful Thought

1.      If you could skip ahead a year and reflect on 2019, what would you like to be proud of?

2.      If you’ve set goals for the year, is there a word that could serve as a foundation to that success?

3.      Are there moments from the past you wish you could have handled better? What word comes up to help support shifts in a positive direction?

4.      Who inspires you? What word describes them?

 

Idea Incubation

1.      How do you feel when you think of this word?

2.      Does this word apply broadly to your life? The more areas for which it is useful, the more powerful the word.

3.      Are you ready for this word? Is this the right year for it, or will it serve you better later?

 

Make the word part of your day

A word will only be useful to you if you hold it in your mind. Here are a few ideas for you:

1.      Write the word in a prominent place – by your bed, bathroom mirror, in your daily planner, incorporate it into jewelry or a piece of art

2.      Incorporate the word in a daily meditation

3.      Journal with the word in mind. Set an intention every morning with respect to the word. Reflect each night on how you showed up. Celebrate the wins. Learn from the challenges.

4.      Tell others about your word – incorporate it in regular meetings with your coach, good friends or therapist

For those who are curious, my Focus Words of the Year have been

2015 – Replenish (Cluster words: heal, rest, rejuvenate)

2016 – Transform (Cluster words: change, reinvent, progress)

2017 – Grace (Cluster words: calm, strength, serenity)

2018 – Cultivate (Cluster words: grow, nourish, feed)

2019 – Trust (Cluster words: believe, faith)

 

What word will you choose, and why? Go ahead and send me a tweet!

_______________________________________________________________

I speak and coach to inspire sustainable performance. Find out more at www.clarekumar.com

Filed Under: Awareness, Intention, Uncategorized

Primary Sidebar

Categories

  • Arrange
  • Business Organizing
  • Coaching
  • Compass
    • Alignment
    • Awareness
    • Intention
  • Ergonomics
  • Events
  • Holiday Organizing
  • Home Office
  • Home Organizing
  • HSP – Highly Sensitive Person
  • Leadership
  • Liberate
  • Nurture
  • Organizing with Kids
  • Peace of Mind
  • Performance
    • Comfort
    • Fuel
    • Light
    • Mindset
    • Movement
  • Play
  • Productivity
  • Products
  • Reduce-Reuse-Recycle
  • Relationships
  • Rituals
    • Skills
    • Systematize
  • Technology
  • Time Management
  • Uncategorized
  • Wellness

Core Chair

Enjoy this code, CHAIRLOVE, to receive a special price for your Core Chair.

Visit the CoreChair website to order. 

In Canada: https://ca.corechair.com/
In the US: https://us.corechair.com/

Nitehood

Visit www.nitehood.com and to get 15% off, enter code SLEEPWELL

Book a discovery call with Clare? Click here to contact me.

Footer

Productivity catalyst, highly sensitive executive coach, and speaker, Clare Kumar cultivates sustainable performance in busy professionals so they can keep making rich contributions in all areas of life and achieve greater fulfillment.

She inspires leaders, professionals, employees and entrepreneurs to respect humanity and boost performance through marrying productivity and pleasure. After all, why shouldn’t you have fun while getting things done?

 

From the Blog

LG Home Office Makeover Contest

How to Work with Highly Sensitive People

The ABCs of Behavior Change (TM) – for habits that stick

my dear darling dad i don't see your smiling fac my dear darling dad 

i don't see your smiling face but i feel your caring heart

i don't hear your thoughtful words but i carry your wisdom

i don't hear your laughter but i still make all the wordplays you would have loved

i don't feel your hugs but i feel your love

thirty years is a long time to miss you

you live on for me in every flower i photograph

in every moment of compassion i witness

in every moment i strive to be more like you at your best

i will always miss you even though you are with me

love, your eldest daughter
pretty but poisonous. toxic wild parsnip. grows to pretty but poisonous. toxic wild parsnip. grows to human height. 

don’t touch!
alert - toxic wild parsnip just popped up again in alert - toxic wild parsnip just popped up again in toronto. 

i’ll post a pic next. 

don’t touch it!

#hsp #notice #activate
Free on July 5th at noon EDT? If you're an HSP or Free on July 5th at noon EDT? If you're an HSP or want to learn more about the trait, join me for an open chat about the Happy Space movement to inspire a more inclusive, tender world. 

everyone deserves a happy space!

Register here: https://cutt.ly/eAaOmOi

#hsp #inclusivity #Neurodivergent
foreboding. frightening. it’s not about the babi foreboding. frightening. it’s not about the babies. 
#roevswade
Tune in as @melodywilding and i talk about highly Tune in as @melodywilding and i talk about highly sensitive people, organization, and productivity. 

#hsp #highlysensitiveperson #organized #organizer #productive #productivity

Posted @withregram • @napo_natl How to Stop Overthinking and Trust Yourself - The latest episode of the NAPO Stand Out Podcast featuring Host @clarekumar and guest @melodywilding, executive coach to sensitive high-achievers. Download and listen today at NAPOpodcast.com, our YouTube channel, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more!
autonomy means… topping up on vitamind in the m autonomy means…

topping up on vitamind in the middle of the day. 

what does autonomy mean to you?

#sustainableperformance #productivity #boostmood #boostimmunesystem
dive in… dive in…
may you find a small joy that inspires a smile tod may you find a small joy that inspires a smile today
Load More… Follow on Instagram

Useful Links

  • About
  • Media
  • Praise
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
International Coach Federation Canadian Association of Professional Speakers National Association of Productivity & Organization Professionals Professional Organizers in Canada
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Copyright © 2022 Streamlife Ltd. · All Rights Reserved

are you an HSP
Time Left:
00
:
00
:
00
HRS
 
MIN
 
SEC
Time Spent: %%TIMESPENT%%
Time expired. Sorry, you will not be able to continue with this quiz. Please opt-in to see the result.
SEC

Is it just me or am I an HSP?

1
Insert Video
Ever find yourself wondering if you really are more sensitive than the average person?

This light-hearted quiz will tell you how likely it is that you are a Highly Sensitive Person based on how you relate to each of the following statements. 
TAKE THIS QUIZ
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
As soon as  I find myself in a crowd, I figure out an escape route.
1
Insert Video

This is me!
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd Tags
Could be
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd Tags
So not me.
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd Tags
Next
I think something and it’s out my mouth faster than the speed of light.
1
Insert Video

This is me!
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd Tags
Could be
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd Tags
So not me.
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd Tags
Next
If my tracker could recognize “feeling” as exercise, I would have my steps in by noon every day.
1
Insert Video

This is me!
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd Tags
Could be
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd Tags
So not me.
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd Tags
Next
I spend so much time in Analysis Paralysis that I could run for office there.
1
Insert Video

This is me!
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd Tags
Could be
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd Tags
So not me.
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd Tags
Next

1
Insert Video

If noticing subtle expressions was a sport, I would qualify for the Olympics.

This is me!
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd Tags
Could be
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd Tags
So not me.
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd Tags
Next
When faced with a challenge, I tend to think so deeply about it, I may pull a muscle.
1
Insert Video

This is me!
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd Tags
Could be
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd Tags
So not me.
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd Tags
Next
Loud chewing should be grounds for divorce.
1
Insert Video

This is me!
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd Tags
Could be
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd Tags
So not me.
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd Tags
Next
If I could redefine “good enough,” I might actually find some free time.
1
Insert Video

This is me!
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd Tags
Could be
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd Tags
So not me.
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd Tags
Next
I am a human sponge, soaked with secondhand emotions.
1
Insert Video

This is me!
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd Tags
Could be
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd Tags
So not me.
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd Tags
Next
I get so invested in a story that I have to remind myself that  the people I’m crying for aren’t real.
1
Insert Video

This is me!
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd Tags
Could be
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd Tags
So not me.
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd Tags
Next
Sometimes I’m overwhelmed by my own creativity.
1
Insert Video

Sometimes I’m overwhelmed by my own creativity.

This is me!
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd Tags
Could be
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd Tags
So not me.
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd Tags
Next
I’m grateful that jumping out of your skin is only a figure of speech.
1
Insert Video

This is me!
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd Tags
Could be
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd Tags
So not me.
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd Tags
Next
Never mind my sleeve, I wear my heart on my forehead.
1
Insert Video

This is me!
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd Tags
Could be
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd Tags
So not me.
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd Tags
Next
 If I see someone else suffering it might as well be happening to me.
1
Insert Video

This is me!
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd Tags
Could be
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd Tags
So not me.
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd Tags
Next
When my work aligns with my values, I’m on top of the world!
1
Insert Video

This is me!
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd Tags
Could be
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd Tags
So not me.
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd Tags
Next
I speak fluent body language.
1
Insert Video

This is me!
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd Tags
Could be
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd Tags
So not me.
A text area will be displayed in the frontend when users select this answer.
Add RecommendationAdd Tags
Next
%%QUESTIONANSWERS%%
Just give me my score
Insert Video
Almost there...
Where can we email you your score, the HSP traits, and how they show up for you.
 
  Please enter details below.
I want the full scoop!
Note - you are not being added to a marketing list when you choose this option.

You got a score of %%YOURSCORE%% out of %%TOTALSCORE%%
1
Insert Video

You're blessed with superb filters and have no trouble handling a chaotic environment. Not a lot bothers you. HSPs dream of feeling like this!


You believe “done is better than perfect”. With your focused action, there’s a chance you can be perceived as being a bit of a bull in a china shop. You may quickly jump to conclusions and be too casual with others’ feelings. 

 

You may benefit from taking more time to assess a situation before taking action, something that comes naturally to HSPs.

 

Engaging with HSPs may invite you to notice nuances in a situation that can help smooth your journey.

 

With about 20% of people being highly sensitive, it makes good sense to learn more about the trait.

 

You’re invited to join the Happy Space Pod Online Community, a positive place for HSPs and also for non-HSPs like you who want to better understand and more fully support the valuable HSPs in their lives. 



  • 1 Column
  • 2 Columns
  • 3 Columns
  • 4 Columns
  • 5 Columns
  • 6 Columns
Product Title
Buy Now
Product Title
Buy Now
Product Title
Buy Now
Product Title
Buy Now
Product Title
Buy Now
Product Title
Buy Now
Product Title
Buy Now
Visit "Happy Space"
%%CATEGORY_TOTAL_PERCENT%%
%%CATEGORY_TOTAL_NUMBER%%
[CATEGORY_TOTAL_PERCENT]
[CATEGORY_TOTAL_NUMBER]
You got a score of %%YOURSCORE%% out of %%TOTALSCORE%%
1
Insert Video

You notice a mix of emotions each day, in yourself and others. Sometimes this is easy to accommodate. Other times, it can be overwhelming.

 

You are sometimes bothered by disorganization and chaos around you and notice what could be improved. 

 

Other times, you miss nuance and subtleties that can better guide your actions. You can be creative in the right environment.

 

You are sometimes able to reprioritize efficiently when necessary. Other times, you might find yourself needing to think deeply before making a decision.

 

With 1 in 5 people having the trait of high sensitivity, it is quite possible that you are one of them. 

 

If you shared your email address with us, you should have already received an email with your custom results and more detailed information.

Meanwhile, I invite you to explore the trait of high sensitivity by joining the Happy Space Pod Online Community, a positive place for HSPs and also for non-HSPs who want to better understand and more fully support the valuable HSPs in their lives. 

I hope to see you there.


  • 1 Column
  • 2 Columns
  • 3 Columns
  • 4 Columns
  • 5 Columns
  • 6 Columns
Product Title
Buy Now
Product Title
Buy Now
Product Title
Buy Now
Product Title
Buy Now
Product Title
Buy Now
Product Title
Buy Now
Product Title
Buy Now
Visit "happy Space"
%%CATEGORY_TOTAL_PERCENT%%
%%CATEGORY_TOTAL_NUMBER%%
[CATEGORY_TOTAL_PERCENT]
[CATEGORY_TOTAL_NUMBER]
You got a score of %%YOURSCORE%% out of %%TOTALSCORE%%
1
Insert Video

Hello, fellow HSP!


You believe perfect is worth striving for and you are proud of your conscientiousness. Being so thoughtful with your work often leaves you frustrated at just how long it takes to get something done. 


Your ability to notice what’s going on around you provides helpful cues which guide your path forward. While blurting out what’s on your mind has sometimes ruffled feathers, you are generally perceived as a thoughtful team player who cares for others. 


You will benefit greatly from setting boundaries, improving self-regulation,  and self-advocating to preserve your energy. 

Join the supportive Happy Space Pod Online Community for more strategies that will help you thrive as an HSP.


  • 1 Column
  • 2 Columns
  • 3 Columns
  • 4 Columns
  • 5 Columns
  • 6 Columns
Product Title
Buy Now
Product Title
Buy Now
Product Title
Buy Now
Product Title
Buy Now
Product Title
Buy Now
Product Title
Buy Now
Product Title
Buy Now
visit "happy space"
%%CATEGORY_TOTAL_PERCENT%%
%%CATEGORY_TOTAL_NUMBER%%
[CATEGORY_TOTAL_PERCENT]
[CATEGORY_TOTAL_NUMBER]
Retake
x