Each new year I select a word to focus upon, like a touchstone. This word becomes a guiding force in all my work. Last year, the word was community and I built new ways for authors to connect with each other into all the programs and services of Business Building Books.
It took me a while to select the 2012 word. There were many wonderful possibilities.
After much deliberation and searching my thesaurus, my 2012 word of the year is
Significance
When something has significance, it has quality, importance and worth. It is distinctive and influential, with the potential to effect a change.
In 2012, I pledge to help you write with significance, whether you are writing a book, an article, or creating an information product.
Your words and ideas matter. Your positive message is sorely needed in this world full of stress and challenge.
It is time for you to stand up and be counted as an author with significant ideas.
So, how to make your writing significant?
First, write. Finish your book. Create your blog. Develop your presentation or workshop. The format in which you deliver your ideas may change, but the process always begins with putting words on paper.
Next, refuse to settle for anything less than your best. Challenge yourself to write boldly, sharing your most creative ideas and editing out anything tired, trite, or common.
Finally, share. Commit to sharing your words with your ideal readers and engaging in conversations with them. In this sharing, you will refine your ideas, sharpen your focus, and witness the impact your brilliance has on others, which will increase your significance.
What about you? How does this discussion of significance inspire you? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment here.
With the world as busy with minutiae as it is, significance is a word that separates out what really matters…the important from the unimportant. Great reminder.
Lynne,
Thank you for sharing your 2012 word of the year. Indeed, it is a perfect word, for the time we are in calls each of us to step into our own path with significance. We cannot afford to delay, procrastinate or excuse; not another day. In fact, everything points to the need for significance in our world, our choices and our intentions.
May this year be the one in which each of us chooses to step up to our own significance magnificently!
[...] Lynne Kippel on Book Bites provides a word for 2012 – significance which I plan to use everyday, followed by tips to make your writing significant: First, write. Finish your book. Create your blog. Develop your presentation or workshop. The format in which you deliver your ideas may change, but the process always begins with putting words on paper. Next, refuse to settle for anything less than your best. Challenge yourself to write boldly, sharing your most creative ideas and editing out anything tired, trite, or common. Finally, share. Commit to sharing your words with your ideal readers and engaging in conversations with them. In this sharing, you will refine your ideas, sharpen your focus, and witness the impact your brilliance has on others, which will increase your significance. http://businessbuildingbooks.com/the-2012-author%E2%80%99s-word-of-the-year [...]
Thank you, Lynne, for this inspiring message for 2012. I especially love your recommendation to “write boldly, editing out anything the tired, trite or common.”
The world needs fresh, original insight. 2012 is anything but “more of the same.” It’s a fresh start and one that requires the best of our best. Bold declarations of our own truth not only build our confidence, allowing even more truth to be spoken, but it leaves an energetic pattern to which others can more easily map and speak their own truths.
Thank you for sharing your gifts with the world, Lynne.
I love your word! Great choice to underscore the KEY to achieving one’s goals the quickest way possible – transcending the mundane and shooting straight for the top. When we settle for nothing less than the best, the best is all we ever get! May 2012 be your very best!
I like your word. I will make it my word, right after the other word in your blog –NOW! I pray that I never write anything without significance, but I will never write anything unless I write NOW! Thank you for all the encouragement. I need it.
Perfect word Lynn! I will use it daily. Thanks and all the best in 2012 for you, your family and your community.Darlene