3 Word Mid Year Check In - Rocks Pebbles and Sand

June 3, 2022

The Art of Applied Visual Thinking

The official newsletter of Applied Visual Thinking SUPERHEROES. Vol. 3 No. 11 June 3, 2022

If you have been with us for a while, you might recall I am a big fan of choosing three words at the end of each year. These three words represent how I want to feel, be and show up during the coming year. If you missed them, you can read those articles here and here. For 2022 my words are Energetic, Optimistic, Fruitful, and Blessed. Yes, I know that's four words, that's cool. The words and how they make you feel are what's important, not the number.

Even with the best intentions, I sometimes forget to look for opportunities to actively live my words each day. So a mid-year check-in is a great way to add some spark. One way to do that is to tie in your three words with a Visual Priorities Jar, which Sheri introduced in our last Art of Applied Visual Thinking newsletter.

Now is a great time for a mid-year check-in. Grab your pens, your Visual Priorities Jar and play along.

a drawing of a jar filled with large and small rocks and sand. One large rock is orange labeled

Want to play along? Pull out your Visual Priorities Jar and a few colored markers, and let's see how we can easily wedge in a few words here and there.

Start with a Rock - first, review your "rocks" (main priorities), pick one, and circle it in a bold color. Now draw out a few ideas for how you might connect that rock with one of your words for 2022. For example, one of my rocks is being more active every day. I know walking has many benefits, including helping alleviate depression and promoting better sleep, which can help me feel more Optimistic. So I might sketch myself taking a 20-minute walk after dinner as an idea.
Choose a couple of Pebbles - next review your pebbles; pick one or two and circle them in a different color. Again draw out a few ideas for how you might tie in the pebbles with one or two of your words. For example, one of my pebbles is to keep my task list up to date (a simple checklist icon). I know from experience that using and maintaining a task list helps me accomplish more, so I can actively become more Fruitful every day.
Lastly, add a few grains of Sand - for this, you might try creating a Tiny Habit. I'm a big fan of Dr. BJ Fogg and his Tiny Habits methodology. If you are not familiar with Tiny Habits, they are just as you might imagine, a habit you build by starting very, very small, think 30 seconds or less. For example, deep breathing is a sure-fire way to get a quick energy boost, so I might draw a timeline for taking three deep breaths every time I switch to a new task. Since this activity is so tiny, I can easily fit it into my day, just like grains of sand. The result is feeling more Energetic throughout the day.

Reviewing your priorities through the lens of your words for the year is a wonderful way to add some zing to your days and help you notice and appreciate the person you are becoming.