My Theme For 2010: TEAM!
Each year, I choose a one-word theme that acts as a guide in all my major decisions and shapes my entire year.
I start thinking about the theme around the beginning of December and simply set the intention that the essence of the word will come to me strongly and clearly at the right time to serve my highest good and the good of those I serve.
In 2008, my one word theme was FOCUS – which I like to make into an acronym for “Follow One Course Until Successful.” Focus certainly paid off in 2008; it was my most successful year up to that point.
In 2009, my one word theme was INFLUENCE – I would ask myself consciously and subconsciously, “Who and what am I allowing to influence me?“
When I wrote this post on December 29, 2008 about choosing Influence for 2009, little did I know then how much my choice would impact my year both personally and professionally!
2009 far exceeded my business and finance goals with an abundance of national and international speaking engagements, lucrative joint ventures, celebrity clients, meeting Richard Branson and the Dalai Lama, the successful launch of my first social media certification course, Mentor With Mari, the co-creation of the International Social Media Association. all topped off with an invitation to attend the 52nd Grammy Awards and walk the red carpet!
In 2009 in my personal life, I chose to stop traveling the country in a motorhome and transition out of my eight-year marriage, as I shared in this post. I couldn’t have imagined sharing such an intimate experience so publicly before social media. Yet, the process was profound for both me and my community.
Now, as we celebrate the completion of 2009 and dance into 2010, my resounding one-word theme is TEAM! This word came to me as I contemplated where I got stuck most this year – where I didn’t allow myself to grow as much as I wanted.
One of my Achilles heels is delegation. I’m blessed to have several skilled team members and to be surrounded by powerful mentors, mastermind partners, coaches and other skilled experts. Yet I allowed myself to get completely stopped or stymied in several areas (like blog development, membership programs, product creation, book writing!) because my calendar got so backed up and I wanted to do so much myself.
Of course, there’s such a thing as balance, right? Whilst my two blogs may have taken a back seat, my Twitter presence, Facebook fan page, professional network and speaking engagements flourished significantly!
You’ve probably heard of the word “TEAM” used as an acronym for “Together Everyone Achieves More” (or Miracles). I like this. though if you have other creative suggestions, I’m open to ideas! 😉
Now it’s your turn! What’s your theme for 2010?
HI Mari,
Great to see your BIG growth and if I can be of help as a book mentor again, let me know.
My theme this year is LETTING GO of bookcoaching marketing stategies that that don’t work as well as they did. I’ve reevaluateed my site and updated it and increased my opt-in subscribers hugely with my free report on book, web, and article marketing. That’s where we make the best sales.
I’d love to hear your comments,
Judy
My word for 2010 is Live! – to the fullest.
Mari,
I love this! So simple, yet so powerful! It is easy to do what you have always done, but to be bold enough to take action that moves you out of your comfort zone is how we grow. So this year I am all about BOLD ACTION!
Thanks again for sharing!
Kim
I like the “team’ acronym. I am part of a local business networking group (Lancaster Business TEAM) that have used that philosophy (Together Each Achieves More) for many years.
I am actually sharing with our local group some social media tips that you have shared. I have helps several people add social media to their business. Thanks Mari
I came to this blog via a post on FB by Cindy Ratzlaff. At first I wasn’t clear on the one word theme idea so thank you for clarifying with your 2008 and 2009 examples. Thought about using the word Focus, as I know it would be apt for me this year. That being said, I’m going to sit with the one word concept and see what comes up for me. Might be focus, might not, time will tell. Good luck to you with Team.
Mari, I love your idea of using a one-word theme per year
For as long as I remember I have used a motto every year. My motto for 2010 is this:
“If your determination is fixed, do not despair. Few things are impossible to diligence and skill. Great works are performed not by strength, but perseverence” Samuel Johnson
Regards, Your Virtualpm
Congratulations on a successful year Mari. Team is a great word choice. It’s a great idea to have a word – for me it’s discipline – I need to be disciplined to carry out what I want to do, complete projects and focus on the task at hand.
warm wishes to everyone and a successful 2010
my word of the year is collaboration.
Mari, you have been an amazing inspiration to me!
Choosing your one word theme related to one of your biggest challenges is such a fabulous way to keep your intentions in focus on a daily basis!
I have been inspired by Chris Brogans book “Trust Agents” that you sent to me via the ISMA certification course, and have chosen my one word theme for 2010…
be?nig?ni?ty [bi-nig-ni-tee]
1. The quality of being benign; kindness.
2. A good deed or favor; an instance of kindness: benignities born of selfless devotion.
Devoting my efforts to helping others succeed, reaching out to new comers, providing real value and truly giving without the expectations of getting back in return will indeed build and accrue social equity, it’s true. But, I think social equity is just the side benefit. The real reward is in the “doing good for others” part because it just plain makes my heart happy! 🙂 Chris was right on!
I know that 2010 will be your best year ever!. Thank you for influencing my life!
What a coincidence, I pick a theme word at the beginning of the year too. Last year it was re-charge- which I did pretty well. This year my word is AUDACITY. I think bold ideas, communication and action are needed to realize the goals in my life.