Three Words for 2013: Health, Family and Space

Every year Chris Brogan shares his three words to live by for the new year and encourages his community to do the same. I like this exercise because it has me reevaluating the past year and looking ahead into the future. I don’t lament over what went wrong, I don’t beat myself over the head for not meeting my goals, but I look ahead to the positive changes I’d like to make for the new year.

2013 is a clean slate and here are my three words to live by:

1. Health

Yes, I’m carrying health over from last year. I did make a conscious effort to lose weight in 2012. I worked out using my treadmill desk, joined Weight Watchers, and logged everything I ate, but I fell flat because I got busy and I have to stop putting “busy” ahead of everything else. I’m getting back on that treadmill, taking more dog walks, and continuing with Weight Watchers. I’d also like to take up a regular physical activity too. I’ve always wanted to try tennis or golf or get into running.  It’s time. I can’t be a positive influence on my son and encourage his healthy habits if I don’t take care of myself in the process.

2. Family

I love that I love my job but it can’t come at the expense of my family. Completely unplugging (even leaving the cell phone off!) and spending time in Bermuda with my guys really showed me what’s important. Book contracts and having a great job are my dream, but my family is my life. In 2013 I hope to continue to love my job and write books, but you can bet that you’re going to see me working fewer nights and weekends.  I’d also like to focus on more family activities. We have family movie nights and eat dinner together as a family each night, but I’d like for all of us to try and take up a hobby or sport together. I always think I’m a big time family person because I work at home, but lately that means life is going on around me while I’m hidden behind a keyboard. Family is my #1 priority for 2013.

3. Space

Speaking of working at home…

I have a small work space in my home. There’s not much room for me to spread out and it’s hard for me to get anything done there. I end up moving my work into the kitchen or dining room but that means everyone else has to deal with my work clutter and noise. I also find myself getting distracted by what’s in the house. I nosh, pick up the home phone when friends or family call, or turn on the TV for background noise. This doesn’t lead to a productive solution. During the latter part of 2012 I tried something different. I started going to Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts or the local library to work for a few hours each day. It worked out great. I was more focused, ate less, and felt like I was separating work and home and creating balance in my life. I’m going to continue working remotely in 2013 and maybe even look for a coworking space to share.

Do you have three words for 2013?

Do you have three words to live by for the new year? Let us know what you’re focusing on for 2013.