It did not take a lot of thought to pick my word for this coming year. The idea was on the forefront of my mind almost immediately. In the years past, it has sometimes taken more time and consideration, and I have picked words for attitudes or growth that I needed personally: authentic (2012), courage (2013), and fulfill (2104).
This year I want to focus my energies more towards others. I have received great development, encouragement, and blessing in the last few years. I want to share that with others. So my word for 2015 is EMPOWER.
My husband read this great quote and sent it to me. It fitly describes the purpose for my life efforts this next year.
As we look ahead into the next century,
leaders will be those who empower others.
Bill Gates
I’m not sure what “empower” will look like for me, but I can guess that it will include a few of these things:
Investing time coaching and mentoring others.
Asking more and better questions and “preaching” less.
Saying “no” to doing anything someone else could do.
Controlling less.
Encouraging more.
Humility.
Paying attention and observing others.
Resourcing others with materials, trainings, and assessments – anything that will build confidence and competence in others to do and be their best.
Praying for others more.
Believing more in others’ abilities and expressing my belief to them.
Celebrating with others.
I envision in-fueling people (family, friends, other leaders around the world) with whatever they need to go places and do things that I can’t even imagine.
I look forward to seeing what they will do. Bring it on 2015!
What do you think EMPOWER looks like? What is your word for 2015?
maturitas cafe 
I love that you have others in mind for your focus. You typically do, however. Even though you think your previous words were more self-focused, they were other-centric as well. But the whole focus behind “empower” is selfless and altruistic. Love your explanations of it. I was so humbled! As for my word? I’m not sure. I’ve not typically done this (how so not in of me). But I think that’s more orneriness and unwillingness to think through it than anything else. You’ve definitely given me food for thought. As usual. Love you!
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You are way too sweet with your comments, friend. (But, please don’t stop!) I do want to be less self-focused this next year – we’ll see how I do! I’ll ask you later if you have come up with a word for 2015. That is, if I don’t read about it in a future post! 🙂 Love you lots!
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Great word, Maggie. I will be curious to hear how that works out in your life this next year. May you sense God’s presence in a special way each day.
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