It's my choice

"Choice" is my choice of word for 2023

I have a confession: I agonized over writing this week’s newsletter.

Not because I didn’t have any ideas. (I have a massive backlog of them.)

And not because it’s the first edition of 2023. (Happy New Year, BTW! )

It’s because I’ve had trouble narrowing down my word for 2023.

I believe words have power, so rather than make New Year’s resolutions, I select a word to guide me and focus my efforts for the year ahead.

Over the years, I’ve had some interesting picks, starting with “badass,” a noun/adjective that morphed into “Badass Blaschka,” a long-held nickname and excellent use of alliteration that perfectly encapsulated my mindset at the time.

Here’s a brief rundown of my words for the last three years:

In 2020, I went with a blended verb: “be(com)ing,” which combines “being” and “becoming.”

I set an intention to “be” because it’s in those quiet moments and the lack of busyness that my greatest insights and creativity come alive. 

And because I’m all about the possibilities and aspire to be a lifelong learner, “becoming” spoke to making positive changes and moving toward something greater...

Namely, becoming more me, which is enhanced and complemented by being.

Since I’m highly visual, I like to create images for my words of the year.

In 2021, I picked the verb “illuminate.”

I loved that this word was multi-layered in its meaning: to shine a light on something, clarify or make something understandable, make spectacular, and glow or light up.

It’s about taking helpful, positive action by seeking knowledge and sharing wisdom, highlighting the brilliance all around us. It also refers to someone thought to have an unusual degree of enlightenment.

In 2021, it was time for me to unapologetically light a new path and shine even brighter, particularly fitting as we came out of what had arguably been a year of darkness for so many.

And as I became illuminated, I aspired to illuminate others. (Which is also why I named this newsletter Illuminate Me.)

This image should look familiar to our Illuminate Me tribe

And last year, my word was “momentum.”

Momentum is the strength or force that allows something to continue or grow stronger or faster as time passes.

Though technically a noun, this word is arguably the most verb-y of them. It’s all about positive motion and continuous improvement. Momentum shows up in the small actions, done consistently, that ultimately lead you to success. I also see momentum as essential to flow, transformation, and evolution, three things of which I’m definitely a fan.

Despite the challenges of the pandemic, I managed to have some of my best career years yet. I wanted to build on them in a way that helped me ascend, grow, and explore new territory rather than become complacent and stuck in my comfort zone.

Fun fact: I named my LinkedIn newsletter “momentum” because I started it in 2022, right after I announced my word of the year.

And that brings us back to my difficulty choosing a word this year.

Which is ironic because that’s exactly where I’ve landed.

Drumroll, please…

My word for 2023 is “choice.”

As I reflected on the year ahead, I kept coming back to the themes of autonomy and freedom, which I value most.

And when I thought more about what those meant for me, things started to become clearer: it’s all about choice.

I want to choose:

• Who I work with (and who I don’t).

• What kind of work I do (and what kind I don’t).

• When I do it.

• Why I do it.

• How I do it.

As a noun, “choice” is about the act and power of choosing. It’s also the best part, i.e., being the first choice. (Gotta love that!)

As an adjective, it’s about being worthy, selected with care, or of the highest quality, which speaks to my always-looking-to-improve self.

And as a verb, it’s about being choosy and selective:

• I might be inclined to choose less or differently if it serves me better.

• I can choose to evolve my services.

• I can choose to say no.

• I have the power to choose my creative projects.

• I can also choose to stop, start or not do something.

But for me, it’s not about exclusion; it’s about intention and alignment.

And *that’s* the kind of energy I choose to bring into 2023.

(See what I did there? 😉)

So, what’s your word for 2023? Tell me in the comments below.

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And speaking of choice, you know you have one when it comes to making career resolutions, right?

(Hint: You don’t have to make them!)

In my latest Forbes article, I share three powerful alternatives to try instead (including the one I just outlined above).

Shine on,

Amy

P.S. When I’m not writing this newsletter or making choices, I’m a social media ghostwriter. (Yep, that’s a thing). I help founders craft their stories to communicate and connect better, magnifying their reach and impact. (Think personal branding and thought leadership.) Learn more here.

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While you’re at it, be sure to check out the archives to catch up on previous issues, and feel free to share this one with your friends using the button below. Or better yet, invite them to join our Illuminate Me tribe!