May 18, 2026
My 3 Phrases for 2023
I asked DALL-E to draw me a yam in a cartoon style. It's a yam with sorta Mickey Mouse arms and feet. His arms are in the air and he's smiling quite happily.

What’s My 3 Phrases About?

The My 3 Phrases concept is discreet. Make a choice 3 phrases (no longer 1, no longer 4) that can assist information your alternatives and movements daily. Bring to mind them as lighthouses. “Will have to I say sure to this challenge?” “Smartly, does this align with my 3 phrases?”

The speculation got here from figuring out that resolutions nearly at all times finish through January nineteenth of a brand new yr. One explanation why is that we steadily make a selection them from a unfavorable mindset: “I wish to drop a few pounds. I’m no longer making sufficient cash.” As an alternative, the theory of the three phrases is extra like: what can I take advantage of to lead me in opposition to effects I wish to toughen for all the yr and past? Now not the outcome itself. The trail. The method.

The right way to Make a choice 3 Phrases

I began this procedure again in 2006. Again then, my 3 phrases had been “Ask. Do. Percentage.” I picked those quite simple phrases they usually served me really well. One in all my best possible years ever. After I requested questions, I discovered. After I took motion in line with what I discovered from asking, I made extra floor and took over extra of the universe. After I shared what I discovered with everybody, I made connections and a few pals.

Make a choice any 3 phrases you are feeling will information you ahead. Bring to mind phrases that encourage an motion, particularly when confronted with a call. If you wish to trip extra, possibly the phrase is “Stamp,” as it encourages you to get extra nation stamps for your passport. (Then again: plainly that is in large part a non-existent factor any longer. Boo.)

I will be able to inform you a couple of issues about opting for your 3 phrases from enjoy:

  • Don’t make it a word. “Submit the e book” is a horrible selection. “The” is wasted.
  • Attempt to make the phrases action-oriented (a verb, if you’ll). “Amplify” is best than “larger.”
  • The extra utilitarian the phrase will also be, the easier. Those phrases must be your compass.
  • Persist with the three phrases all yr. Each and every time I’ve modified one a month or two later, the yr mucks up. I will be able to’t give an explanation for it. However I will be able to record it.
  • Years the place I’ve attempted “fancy” phrases with layers of that means, I misplaced the thread. Use simple phrases, possibly.
  • BUT the phrases don’t need to imply the rest to any person however you. Don’t fear about explaining them.
  • Phrases like “focal point” by no means appear to pan out (Mike Vizdos however). As an alternative, focal point on what? Pick out a lane. Trace, if in case you have too many stuff to concentrate on, THAT is the loss of focal point.

Evaluation Them Day by day

The extra you evaluation your 3 phrases, the easier. I’ve the act of writing mine constructed into my day-to-day making plans guides and motion stacks. I take a look at the usage of them for a mantra when I will be able to. From time to time on walks, I simply repeat them again and again. I love to replicate on them and meditate slightly with the ones phrases in thoughts. I even post a sticky word. I write them through hand into my journals, too, as a result of kinesthetic studying is robust.

Previous Iterations of My 3 Phrases

2006 – Ask. Do. Percentage
2007 – Search. Body. Construct. Bridge (sure, that was once 4. It additionally was once a much less a success yr.)
2008 – Imagine. Loops.Farm
2009 – Equip. Armies. Needles
2010 – Ecosystems. Homeowners. Kings
2011 – Reinvest. Package deal. Float
2012 – Temple. Untangle. Apply
2013 – Walt. Ender. Monchu
2014 – Way of life. Monchu. Black.
2015 – Plan. Leverage. Cloth.
2016 – House. Shine. Win.
2017 – Transfer.Voice.Sport
2018 – Ritual. Execute. Price
2019 – Station. Stacks. Motion.
2020 – Push. Structurequence. Package deal
2021 – Showrunner, Monk Choices
2022 – Scout, Co-Create, Pluses

How’d I Do With 2022?

Having a look at my paintings in 2022, I didn’t just about do Scout up to I believed I might. I did, however simply no longer on the degree I believed. Co-Create? Day by day. Pluses? I were given such a lot higher on the finish of the yr. I actually discovered this procedure. I actually nailed two out of 3, and I’m ok with the 3rd one. What about YOU? How’d you do? E-mail me: [email protected]

Ok. Are we in a position? (And a word: I modified ALL 3 phrases of mine on the remaining minute on December thirtieth, 2022. Give the method time. It finds itself.)

My 3 Phrases for 2023

Grasp – Hidden on this phrase is “preparation” and “observe,” and in addition the reminder that to grasp one thing, I will have to make alternatives that spotlight my efforts and let the entirety else fall away. Treasured few folks grasp more than one presents. One or two are steadily somewhat sufficient.

Excitement – I purchased a 10 buck string of crimson and orange lighting that dangle at the back of me in my movies in recent times. They make me so satisfied. I drink this superb espresso. It’s a subscription carrier factor that *sounds* pricey, till you comprehend it’s simply $2 a cup. Certain, there’s inexpensive espresso on the retailer. That is top class gourmand espresso from a number of prime quality roasters, and it’s more cost effective than a Dunkin espresso on a daily basis. I make a selection excitement in 2023. I WILL seek advice from the seaside extra steadily. I WILL take an additional day throughout trade trip.

Acquire – I like collaboration and interactions. I like discovering like minds and massive thinkers. One fast communicate with Clay Hebert helps to keep my head spinning. Pronouncing hello to everybody on the corporate vacation celebration feels nice. I’m an introvert, so I want breaks. However I wish to acquire good folks, like-minded folks. I wish to bunch up the folk I wish to love for some time. I’m amassing.

How will the yr cross? I don’t know. That’s the thrill of it. However the ones are my 3 phrases.

What are YOURS? Publish on Twitter and use the hashtag #my3words (the quantity no longer the phrase) to look every different. Now not on Twitter? No matter. Publish any place. Tag your weblog publish. Put it on Myspace. No matter. Be a part of it. GATHER with us! And e-mail me – [email protected]