setting your “one word” intention for 2016

2015…holy smokes, WHAT A YEAR.

Can we just take a moment and reflect back on all that’s happened?  The good, the bad and the ugly (insert Trump joke here)…just think, all of it, every single choice you made, led you right here, reading this blog, slowly transforming you and your team into undercover superheroes like The Simplifiers.

Well done, you.

Take a moment and give yourself a fist bump.

It’s okay, no one is looking.  Just stand up, wherever you are now and give your left hand a fist bump from the right, imagining it’s me coming thru your laptop and congratulating you for all that you’ve accomplished this year.

via GIPHY

(YES!)

When I look back at the year I’ve had and actually wrote down my key achievements on paper, I’m taken aback.  Whoa…when did I do all of THAT?

Top 25 Young Event Pros to Watch Globally – Special Events Magazine

FINALIST – Tech Startup of the Year Awards 2015

FINALIST – “Most Creative Use of Technology” – Wedding Wire ~ Weddi Awards 2016

“When we slow down and appreciate where we are in the NOW, we gain the most clarity for where we are headed in the future.”

And I’m filled with utter gratitude.

I’m so grateful for each of you guys who support us, cheer us on and those that have already tapped into our mentor network and online training tools.  Thank you, seriously…thank you!

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As we move into 2016, I encourage you to set your “one word” intention for the year.

It’s simple….just pick one word that will be your driving force in everything you do in business, as a mentor, as an event planner and in your personal life, as well.

Here’s 5 steps towards making it happen:

1. decide how you want to feel

Do you want 2016 to be a steam train of crazy adventures, amazing business growth and exciting challenges?  Are you ready to buckle up and take part in this adrenaline rush of embracing the unknown and taking calculated risks?

Or do you want to take this next year to step back and rethink, regenerate and reflect?  Go slower.  Rebuild, rebrand.  Which sounds aligned with your core values and ideal way of living and feeling?  Choose that.

2. choose active, not passive

Your one word is a powerful spark-maker.  So, make it an active verb, not a passive one.  And yes, even gentler words like (Breathe, Replenish, Surrender) can be active as well.  In the end, it’s giving yourself permission to create the reality of your dreams (shout-out to Nicole Matthews, CSEP!)  Give yourself that power by choosing a word that drives you there.  Passive words (such as Think, Live, Be) can be directionless and vague, unless you give them meaning that is personal and motivating to you. Choose wisely.

3. “your thoughts create your reality, which drives your behavior” ~Carly Pollack, holistic nutritionist + undercover superhero

Amen to that, sista….in the end, no matter what word you choose, no matter what goal you set, it’s likely you can boil it all down to two main core needs:

to love and be loved and to feel connected

Once you realize it all comes down to this, you can really see how your thoughts manifest your current reality.  They are the very foundation you build your business on, how to treat your clients/team/vendors and most importantly, how you treat yourself.

If you want to make big, BIG changes in 2016, this is the first step to changing the way you think, which will domino effect, change everything else from there.  Trust me.

4. get inspired

At a lack for words?  It’s not often this happens to us Type A planners, but if you’re finding this challenge tricky, here’s a brainstorm list to get you started:

• Abundance
• Action (be proactive, invest in yourself)
• Authenticity
• Balance
• Connect (find your tribe, surround yourself with greatness)
• Courage (take the leap, you’re worth it!)
• Energize
• Expand (your knowledge, your team, your training – not your waistline)
• Gratitude
• Mindfulness
• Prosperity
• Share
• Surrender

5. share it with someone

There is nothing more powerful than having an accountability buddy or tribe you can turn to when times are tough.  Someone who is there for you, your undercover superhero in your time of need.

That’s us.

We are here for you.  And more importantly, with the advancements we’re making in The Apprentice Program software in 2016, we aim to give you the tools to connect with other event planners all over the world.  Tap into a trusted mentor network who can help you train your teams and give you accountability and support in your everyday hustle.

So, once you’ve determined your ONE WORD, shout it from the rooftops…share it below in the comments, tell your partner, tell your competitor, tell your best girlfriend.  We are all here for you, you don’t have to do it alone.  I promise to help you stay accountable.

You can do it.  I believe in you!

PS> since people have been asking…my “one word” in 2015 was REBIRTH, like a phoenix coming out of the ashes, my team and I at The Simplifiers spent 2015 refocusing on what we wanted to create, then brainstorming, building, testing and went out and did it.  (more on this journey in the coming weeks as we launch our Kickstarter!)

PPS> my “one word” for 2016 = CONNECT – it’s time. I’m ready to meet each and every one of you, wherever you are on your learning journey and help you make this year the best year yet.  Let’s do this.