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As 2024 looms on the horizon, we at Crystal Clear Copy, like countless businesses globally, are buzzing with excitement, diving into thoughtful planning and strategic action for the new year. In this season of reflection and foresight, there’s a concept that’s capturing imaginations far and wide — the “Word of the Year.” This simple yet powerful idea, which I recently explored in a blog for a client, involves choosing a word (or words) to guide and shape the year ahead. Breaking the mold, I’ve decided to embrace not just one but three words for 2024, each reflecting a distinct facet of my life and aspirations. Stay tuned as I unveil these words and their significance in my journey!
The Essence and Impact of a “Word of the Year”
A “Word of the Year” is more than just a string of letters; it’s a compass for your annual journey, a beacon that lights up your path. My client, Katie, an outstanding happiness expert, beautifully elaborated on what a “word of the year” is in her blog.
She explains that it acts as a mantra, a focal point that encapsulates your aspirations and intentions. This practice simplifies your goals, bringing a laser-sharp focus to your daily life. By selecting a word of the year, or in my case, words, you’re setting a theme that resonates deeply with your personal and professional journey. It could be a singular concept like ‘growth’ or a more nuanced phrase that holds special meaning for you.
The benefits of this “word of the year” approach are manifold. A guiding word constantly reminds you of your intentions, steering you through decisions and actions with purpose and clarity. It helps in maintaining focus, especially when distractions abound, and provides a framework for evaluating opportunities and challenges.
This methodology isn’t just about goal-setting; it’s about aligning your actions with your core values and vision, ensuring that every step you take is a stride towards a more intentional and fulfilling life. Whether you choose one word or multiple, this practice is a powerful tool for personal and professional growth.
Gleaning Insights from Katie’s Perspective on the Word of the Year
Crafting the blog for Katie, with her thoughtful and beautiful outlook on life, has been a transformative experience for me. Katie’s constant, bubbling energy is infectious, casting a tranquil aura that makes delving into her world a sheer delight. Her approach to life, filled with wisdom and positivity, has reshaped my own perceptions, particularly about the ‘Word of the Year’ concept.
I warmly encourage you, my dear readers, to explore Katie’s blog for a deeper dive into this enriching practice. Her insights are a treasure trove of inspiration.
Now, while the norm is to choose one word, I’ve always felt more aligned with selecting three. Some might say it’s bending the rules, but this trifecta approach resonates with me. It allows me to categorize my intentions and goals in a comprehensive and balanced way. In my world, three words create a more holistic and nuanced framework for the year ahead.
Reflecting on My 2023 Words: Scale, Strengthen, and Socialize
Last year, I chose three words as my guiding stars: Scale, Strengthen, and Socialize. Each word played a pivotal role in shaping both my personal and professional journey, leaving lasting impacts and valuable lessons.
Scale:
This word was my business beacon. Focused on growth, I took significant steps like hiring a Virtual Assistant (who is amazing!) and expanding our client base. This not only increased our capacity but also brought diversity and new challenges to Crystal Clear Copy. Embracing ‘Scale’ helped us evolve, pushing the boundaries of what we thought possible for our agency.
Strengthen:
On a personal level, ‘Strengthen’ was a call to action. After moving to Florida, I realized I had let my health routine slip. Last year was about reclaiming that — getting active again and paying attention to my diet. I focused on cooking healthy meals and integrating regular physical activities into my routine. This journey back to fitness was not just about physical health but also about mental resilience and self-care.
Socialize:
Adapting to a new environment can be challenging, especially when making friends. ‘Socialize’ reminded me to reach out, engage with my community, and build new relationships. I’m thrilled to say that I’ve met some incredible people this past year. These new friendships have brought joy, support, and a sense of belonging in my new home. Plus, we dug even deeper into our Endless Pawsabilities Fundraiser for our local kitty shelter, Save Our Cats and Kittens. We have made joyous connections with this community and raised over $5,000 in 2023!
As I reflect on these words and their impact, I realize how they have collectively propelled me forward, both in my business and personal life. The evolution of these concepts throughout the year has been a journey of growth, self-discovery, and connection, setting a solid foundation for the exciting year ahead.
Embracing My 2024 Word of the Year Trio: Diversify, Dedicate, Deepen
2024 brings a fresh set of aspirations and challenges, and my ‘Word of the Year’ choices reflect this new journey. Diversify, Dedicate, and Deepen are not just words but beacons that will guide my actions and decisions throughout the year.
Diversify — Expanding Horizons in Business
“Diversify” is my business mantra for the year. As a copywriter, the diversity of topics and clients we can engage with is boundless. However, the nature of our work is high consumption, demanding constant creativity and innovation in the industries we write for. That doesn’t always leave a lot of time for creative writing of our own.
So, in this spirit, we’ve embarked on a side hustle that is both challenging and enjoyable: creating interactive books. Our first project, “31 Days of Christmas Magic,” was initially a Christmas gift idea, but it has now evolved into a promising business venture that has actually sold almost 40 copies as of the time I am writing this. While it wasn’t a smashing success, it certainly was a great learning experience to get us started. This year, we aim to continue crafting books like these, not only as a source of side income but as a means to diversify our creative output and explore new territories.
Pssst….stay tuned for our new store page! Here, we will be sharing our digital projects, including Canva templates and interactive books! Up next, we have an awesome Around the World Word Search Puzzle book coming out! We even have a sign-up spot where you can be informed on the latest upcoming projects!
Dedicate — Committing to Personal Growth
“Dedicate” is my personal goal for 2024. I am getting married in the spring, and my future husband and I hope to buy a bigger home in the fall. With these significant life changes coming, I want to make sure that I dedicate enough time to myself to stay healthy and (mostly) balanced.
I am committed to maintaining a balance between my personal and professional life. This means prioritizing exercise, nutritious eating, adequate sleep, and essential downtime. As I am sure you know, it’s easy for entrepreneurs to get swept up in the whirlwind of business “musts” and life “demands,” but this year, my ‘Word of the Year’ is a promise to myself not to put my needs last.
Deepen — Enhancing Personal Connections
Lastly, “Deepen” is about enriching the relationships that matter most. I aim to fortify lifelong friendships, nurture new ones, and cherish family bonds, especially with my mother, who is my role model. As I step into a new chapter with my future husband, deepening our bond is paramount. And let’s not forget my two cats, Crystal and Valkyrie, who always deserve time and affection. In a world where time is a luxury, my ‘Word of the Year’ is a commitment to deepen these connections, making every moment count.
Integrating My Word of the Year into Daily Life
Incorporating my ‘Word of the Year’ trio — Diversify, Dedicate, and Deepen — into my daily life is crucial for making these concepts a lived reality. To achieve this, I’ve devised a practical system using my hand-made work planner, a tool that’s become an essential part of my daily routine.
This planner isn’t just for scheduling work projects and life events; it has small sections where I jot down ideas and inspirations related to my words. Weekly, there’s a space to reflect on how my actions align with ‘Diversify,’ ‘Dedicate,’ and ‘Deepen.’ This regular check-in encourages accountability and keeps me on track. Monthly reviews are also in place to assess successes and areas for improvement.
Furthermore, I’m contemplating creating a small sign with these words to hang under my computer. This visual reminder will serve as a constant prompt, ensuring that every day, I’m consciously moving closer to my goals and living in alignment with my words of the year.
Join Our Journey and Share Yours
As we embark on this exciting journey through 2024 with our ‘Word of the Year’ in focus, I invite you to be a part of our growing community at Crystal Clear Copy. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a dreamer, or someone in pursuit of personal growth, our blog is a space where we share insights, challenges, and triumphs.
For more personal tales and behind-the-scenes glimpses into a copywriter’s life, follow us on Medium. Our stories are a mix of professional insights and personal reflections, offering a well-rounded view of our world.
Most importantly, I would love to hear from you. What’s your ‘Word of the Year’? Whether it’s a single word that resonates with your soul or a trio like mine, share it in the comments below. Let’s inspire and motivate each other as we navigate the year ahead. Your word could be the beacon that guides someone else or sparks a new idea for their journey.
Let’s make 2024 a year of shared stories, mutual growth, and collective inspiration. Follow our blog, join the conversation on Medium, and let your ‘Word of the Year’ be heard. Here’s to a year defined by purpose, growth, and connection!
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Chelsey
Chelsey is the founder and head copywriter of Crystal Clear Copy. She is an avid writer, published author, and lover of cats and craft beer.