My word for the year is...

Happy New Year! I love beginnings. I can’t restrain my optimism and excitement. This year I’ve got an ambitious commitment, which is encapsulated in my word of the year. 

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For the last decade, I’ve selected a word that encompasses my hopes for the year ahead, as well as that encompasses what I want to learn about. Usually I select the word after reflecting on the previous year and clarifying the adjustments I want to make to my life. Often it takes me a month or two to determine the word and usually I know I’ve got the right one if it makes me feel nervous or if I consider dropping it for something else. 

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My word for 2024 is SURRENDER. 

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I’m terrified of it. But also, I am so tired of doing doing doing doing and efforting so intensely and I want to try something different. I’m not saying I want to work less. I’m saying I want the energy behind the work to be different. 

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A couple years ago, I snorkeled off the coast of Kauai. I was offered a floaty device, a “noodle,” which I gladly accepted. I could have floated without it, but I figured if there was a way to make my float easier, why not? 

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I want 2024 to be easier. I want to let the floaty hold me. I can only do this if I surrender. I have an aversive response to the concept of surrendering. It feels akin to resignation and passivity. But that’s not the kind of surrendering I want to explore. I want to explore what it means to let go of thinking I am in control and that I can manage everything. 

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I’m not quitting my job however, and this year will be a big one for Bright Morning. But can I actively surrender? I’m curious about how I can surrender in every aspect of my life. 

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At Bright Morning, we also have a word for the year. For 2024, it’s LAUNCH. My 8th book will come out on August 1 and we’ve got some exciting plans for offerings this year. How can I surrender and launch at the same time?! I don’t know. I’m excited to find out. 

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Next week, my team is convening in Hawai’i for our biannual retreat. I am so proud of how well we’re doing, what we’re doing, and how we relate to each other. One of these days, I’ll pull back the curtain and share the many moves that I’ve made as a leader to create a team that’s so resilient, that gets so much done, and that is thriving. Until that time, however, you can learn a whole lot about what I do to create a highly functioning team in our The Art of Coaching Teams workshop.

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I’ve got a lot of years left of leading inside of me. And I want to explore how to lead in a way that’s sustainable and nourishing. Next week I’ll tell you how I’m surrendering at our team retreat. There might be some tips that you can adopt in your work or personal life.