My bud Chris Brogan doesn’t do New Year resolutions. For several years now, he just picks three words that he uses to guide him through both his everyday and business decisions. He put it out there as a challenge for us to think of our own three words for 2011.
I was riding the bus from New York to New Jersey to visit my parents, so I had plenty of time to just sit around and think about this. I pondered, churned out, wrote down, and then ultimately deleted several sets of words.
Eventually I came up with three words that really resonate with me. Responsibility, integrity, and civility. Not sure why these words came up. Whether it’s something that I felt I wasn’t 100% on, or just wanted more of, but whatever the reason, I think they’ll serve me well moving forward. So, what do they mean to me?
Responsibility – Owning up for all my actions and all that is within my power, jurisdiction, and scope.
Integrity – I say what I mean and I do what I say.
Civility – To consider how my words and actions, and those of the people in my influence, affect others. Being a gentleman, and making sure the people around me are as well.
There you have it. Nothing overly complicated. The only New Year’s resolution I made for 2011 is to not go to any night clubs. I find them stuffy, aggressive, and pretentious, so I’m going to avoid them. However, I’ll use my three guiding words to live life, and we’ll see how it serves me… as an experiment if nothing else.
What are your three words?
Integrity: I say what I mean and I do what I say.
I find this very, very hard to follow, especially the last part…:D
Haha, we have a comedian here! 😉
I love that you put your desire to be a gentleman in the civility definition. I find it very honorable that you give yourself a very high standard for the way you treat others.
I figured you’d like that part, considering you get to reap all the benefits of this decision 🙂
Hey Alex!
I just wanted to stop by and wish you all the best for 2011!
I hope it’s a kickass year for you and that you do everything you set your mind to!
Cheers
Diggy
Thanks Diggy!
I hope 2011 brings you much health, happiness, and success… and that you bring to 2011 total domination. 🙂