Every year I choose a word for the year. Something to keep me focused on what is most important in my life and to achieving my goals. I know it can sound cheesy but it works for me.
The word for 2022? GRIND
Now I have never been afraid to work hard or get my hands dirty. I am way more of a draft horse than a unicorn. Give me a task that relies solely on my effort, and I will guarantee it gets done. Remember, I’m the guy who put himself in a coma simply by refusing not to stop & give up.
So why would I choose a word that describes me vs. one that challenges me?
Because it is an acronym – not a word. I guess I cheated a bit this year in that regard.
G.R.I.N.D.
- GRACIOUS – No one is successful completely on their own. Family, mentors, business partners, spiritual leaders and sheer providence all play a role in every success story. I want to live a life of gratitude that is constantly aware of my blessings and expressing gratitude for them daily.
- RELENTLESS– When I set out to accomplish a goal, or commit to others of completing a task, it will get done. In everything I choose to take on, I will give it everything I have to give and will not stop putting the effort in until the goal is achieved, or it becomes no longer possible to achieve it.
- INNOVATIVE – I look for new ways to be more effective in everything I do. I can always be better and to be better I have to evaluate what works and what can be improved. I am also open to the new things I am not doing today as well as stopping the things I currently do that are no longer serving me. Innovation drives the progress that leads to success.
- NERDY – I actively look for new knowledge, new sources of information, new learnings. A dormant mind is a dying mind. An active mind is a growing mind. Be the Sword of Gryffindor – take in what makes me stronger (and if a Harry Potter reference is not nerdy, I am not sure what is).
- DISCIPLINED –I honor the goals I set and the people I serve by doing what needs to be done. I put in the effort and dedicate the time and resources to achieve the task. I live an ‘others first’ life that places value on serving those I choose to surround myself with. By serving others with confident humility, I am confident that I too will be served.
So in 2022 I will focus on Grinding daily. Starting each day acknowledging how I have been blessed. Focusing on the goals that serve me and my family and pushing hard towards them. Taking the time to reflect on how I can do better, be better, serve better. Intentionally taking time to be an active learner and consciously serving others whenever possible.
Time to start Grinding.
Make it a great year.