Here we are again at the very beginning of a New Year and this time, a new decade. Every January I would spend hours assessing the previous year, coming up with new goals, and of course criticizing myself for not meeting every expectation I had of myself in a very neat, perfect, and measured way. I don’t know about you, but to me that stopped feeling like a productive use of my time and became a total energy drain. For many years I believed that was the way it had to be done. Until I realized it wasn’t and created a way to get exactly what I wanted out of each day and every moment.

The result: an elevated sense of happiness and a huge surge in my business.

If you don’t have your own business and are looking for ways to create more success in your career and other parts of your life, this can help you as well. It’s not hard, you don’t have to be a genius, and it won’t consume too much of your time.

It is as simple as this: Choose Your Words Carefully. We have been taught this in childhood by authority figures, but I’m not talking about social etiquette. I am talking about choosing words that will empower you to create and act on exactly what you want   from your career. Choose a few words, the number is irrelevant, but it’s probably best to keep it simple and try to limit it to 4 words or less. Choose words that embody what you want to achieve this year. My words this year are easy, connection, and freedom.

How does it work? When you find yourself in a stressful situation at work instead of just reacting, ask yourself if your reaction fits your intention for the year. If your word is calm, would speaking sharply to a co-worker over a mistake match what you want to create? Probably not. I’m not saying don’t address issues, but address it from who you want to be.

This method can transfer into many parts of your life. If one of your words is connection, but you find that the grad classes you enrolled in to get you to your success goal are preventing you from spending time with anyone but your computer, it’s time to look back at your word. If it’s connection that you value, you can make the time to both be successful at school and spend time with people you adore. The word allows you to stop the all or nothing thinking, and react in ways that can get you what you want in every situation.

That’s where carefully comes in: what you choose to focus on becomes larger. Choosing words and thoughts that are meaningful will increase your success.

Give it a try. Choose a word and use it as a touchstone when you are making decisions throughout the day. Place it close by so you are reminded of what you want to achieve.