My word for 2016 – PRESENT

My Word for 2016-PRESENT

I’m a bit late to the party here, but I wanted to really take a minute and think about what word would best represent my goals for the coming year.

Many of my colleagues have been inspirations to me in their attempts to advance their businesses and create a healthy work/life balance.  I read their blogs and ideas for which words they chose to help them achieve their personal and/or business goals. Examples of words I’ve seen so far include mindful, contentment, focus, the list goes on. I took a cue from them, and after thinking about it for a few days, I decided to choose my word for 2016 – PRESENT.

I identify personally with this word because it represents more than one meaning. Most importantly, being PRESENT for my kids and husband is something that has challenged me since starting my own company. Always a reach away from my phone, iPad, laptop, etc, I spend so much time with my face staring at a screen that I realized I was missing out on some key moments. Subtle ones, but important nonetheless. My daughter trying to tell me a story about the lunch table, my son sharing some detail about an English assignment. I realized I was half listening to them and they deserve better. Have you seen the video floating around Facebook showing a variety of people so into their tech that they miss out on tons of important events in the lives of their kids and others? I think it’s eye opening, it definitely made me stop and evaluate my own behavior.

https://www.facebook.com/AshrafChaudhrySalesTrainer/videos/927167527319049/?theater

I’d like to think I’m not THAT obsessed with my screens. I can’t imagine typing away on my laptop when my daughter’s prom date comes to the door to pick her up. Still, it’s a wake-up call to stop and think about how much time in a day you ACTUALLY spend on your many devices. I realized that my kids grow older each day and those days living at home are quickly passing.

So, to be PRESENT in 2016, I’m going to make a concerted effort to:

-Put down my phone when someone initiates a conversation with me. (Sounds obvious but not so easy when trying to work)
-Make sure the phone is not present at any meals.
-Turn off the computer at a designated time at night and talk to my husband and kids, or just relax.
-Set a timer to keep my social media perusing in check.
-Try my best to not work on weekends, or at least work less than I am now.

I mentioned that PRESENT had more than one meaning. To me, it’s also how I PRESENT myself to others, both in business and personally. Becoming a better listener is a goal of mine. It doesn’t come naturally to me, I’m not sure why. I have to make a conscious effort to listen more than I talk, and it’s something I’m working on every day.

Here are some more inspirations from fellow RDs for the upcoming year:
My Three Words: 2016 via Danielle Omar @ FoodConfidence.com
2016 GOALS + MY WORD OF THE YEAR via Chrissy Carroll @ SnackinginSneakers.com
Mindful Monday: Positive Intentions for the New Year via Katie Cavuto @ HealthyBites.com
MY WORD FOR 2016 via Sally @ RealMomNutrition.com
My Theme for 2016: Grow via Sherry Coleman Collins @ SouthernFriedNutrition.com

Do you have a word for 2016? I’d love to hear your ideas!!!