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?
Collaboration!
Hi Mari,
It is a very clever thing to do. I am considering doing the same thing. Thanks for your sharing to the world of social media. Looks like you are quite an inspiration. One more expert to follow! I love it!
Keep it up.
I really love this idea so thanks for sharing Mari. Business plans can soon lose the personal touch of WHY you are doing what you do. However, coming up with a one-word mantra to help remind you is a really simply and powerful idea.
My one-word mantra is FREEDOM! It’s my intention that 2010 is going to be the year of FREEDOM for me! Freedom to work where and when I want, with people I choose to work with.
This will keep me truly focussed I know!
Thanks again Mari and all the best for 2010.
Louise
Wow! I really like this theme of yours for 2010 “TEAM” as I find myself in a very similar situation in my business where I feel that a few more highly skilled and professional team members can take the business to new heights of success.
Keep up the good work Mari! and best of luck for 2010.
Ali
Hi Mari
Really enjoyed this – and love your concept of the word TEAM. Well done.
Mine is PEACE – having been working towards this and feels like I am just about there yipppeee!
Happy New Year to you – may everything you do be prosperous and bring you endless joy.
Michelle Hardwick
of Release…Peace
TEAM is a wonderful choice, thanks for the inspiration. I started thinking about this immediately after reading your email and the word LISTEN came to mind for 2010. I too have a hard time delegating so TEAM would be good for me but LISTEN seems to be more important for me. Or COMMUNICATE which incorporates listening. This past year I spent most of it concentrating on community, I joined the Rotary Club, their main motto is Service Above Self. Doing that along with concentrating on social marketing through Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and a blog, did help our business, Even though we were down for the whole year in comparison to 2008, my efforts did cause the months of November and December to be better than 2008.
Looking forward to Listening to all my new contacts in 2010.
Cheers!
Vicki
Wow, I really like this idea. After giving it some thought I’ve decided my word for 2010 will be Awakening.
I want the world to awaken to my business Holidays From Home and the idea of virtual holidays. I would also like to awaken my own potential and skills.
Thanks for sharing your theme word, Mari. It is so great to be a part of your process, such wisdom.
I do a similar thing each year, though I have a theme song. It seems to happen that towards December a very powerful song starts repeating over and over in my head. I am often inspired, empowered and motivated. This is true this year as well.
My theme song this year is “Defying Gravity” from the hit broadway show, Wicked. This song is about stepping out of the box, flying towards your potential and embracing limitless freedom. Definitely appropriate for me in 2010.
I look forward to connecting with you more in 2010.
Much love and aloha,
Amy
Thanks for your inspiration Mari! Although FOCUS is so important to me and I do need help in that department, I think TEAM is a perfect word for me this year! I think by delegating the correct tasks to the appropriate people, I will have the extra time needed to work on my focus. My you have a super successful 2010!
TEAM is OK with me for Internet marketing in 2010. I do Not have a team yet. 2009 was a bad year in several ways. Thank God we do Not have to re-live 2009. But I did learn some very important lessons last year.
Some of my core values are: truth; justice; nobility; honesty; and beauty.
‘ glad you had relatives from Scotland to your place. I’m mostly Scottish and Irish. Some year I would like to visit Scotland and Ireland.