The New Crop: Issue #42

naughty or nice + one word to guide you in 2024 + the art of attention and focus

Dec 28, 2023

What’s in this issue:

💭 Thought: One word to guide you in 2024
📚 Read: Zanshin: The Art of Attention and Focus From a Samurai Archer

😆 Today’s Laugh

💭 Today’s Thought

Instead of making a New Year’s resolution, I like to choose a word.

This word isn’t something for me to do, or an action to take. Instead, it guides how I’m being throughout the year — how I’m showing up for myself and others.

My words throughout the last few years:

2022: bold
2023: patient
2024: accepting

In 2024, I’d like to be even more accepting of what and who crosses my path. I’d like to spend less energy fighting against whatever is happening, and more energy creating and getting inspired from it.

What’s your word for 2024? What value would you like to guide you this next year?

When you have it, try plugging it into the below sentence, saying it to yourself, and checking for resonance. You might even try a few words, to see what you feel most connected to.

“It’s the end of 2024, and I’m proud to say that over the course of this year, I’ve been/done/experienced/felt more [insert word here].”

🖊️ Today’s Reflection

If you’re new to journaling, I highly encourage you to read Nancy Adler’s article: Want to be an outstanding leader? Keep a journal.

This week, find a quiet place and gift yourself 10 minutes to reflect on any of these prompts about the past year:

The biggest lesson I learned is…
The biggest surprise of the year was…
The people who influenced me the most were…
The best thing I’ve discovered about myself is…
The thing I’m most proud of is…

📚 Today’s Read

Zanshin: The Art of Attention and Focus From a Samurai Archer

“It is not the target that matters. It is not the finish line that matters. It is the way we approach the goal that matters. Everything is aiming. Zanshin.”

Read this article by James Clear for an insightful look at where to place our focus and attention to get the best outcomes each day of our lives.

See you next week!

xo,

Anne

P.S. The start of a new year is a fantastic time to ponder who you want to be, what you’d like to accomplish, and what you’d like to be different in the year ahead. If you’re looking to…

Clarify your professional or personal goals for the next year
Be more present and energized with your loved ones
Make more time in your schedule for the activities that are most important to you
Grow your self-confidence
Improve how you lead others

… coaching can help you get there, faster.

I’ve just opened up 2 more one-on-one coaching spots starting in January. If any of the above resonates with you, let’s chat!

This session is 100% FREE, so even if you’re not sure what coaching is or if it could work for you, you’ve got nothing to lose.

“Through coaching with Anne, I’ve been able to truly reframe my thinking, gain confidence in myself and my abilities, and open up a world of options in my career, network, and relationships. I’ve considered and gotten jobs I wouldn’t even think were on my radar and thought outside of the box. I really was able to reflect on my inner self, wants, and needs, and work on reflecting those in my life.” - Carissa M.