Jun 29
Like many ADHDers, I hate doing the same things everyone else is doing, and New Year’s resolutions are at the top of that list. A few years ago, instead of writing out a long list of unrealistic goals (and then losing that list a couple of days later), I started choosing one word and one word only to set the intention for my new year. Each year my word sums up who I want to be, it’s my compass when making decisions, and it shapes not only my year, but it shapes me as a person.
Using a single word to guide my decision-making changed me in more ways than I ever could’ve imagined; in fact, this podcast never would’ve started if I hadn’t chosen ‘nervy’ as my first word back in 2018.
Join me in this episode for some ideas on brainstorming your own word of the year, tips on how to use your word as your compass, and I’ll tell you my new word for 2022! Setting an intention for the year using a single word has had a huge impact on my life and I think it’ll have a huge impact on yours too.
APPLE
SPOTIFY
YOUTUBE
"You probably can relate to this but for me this fear of visibility was related to my ADHD. When I get even a little anxious my brain goes on the fritz and I can’t remember what the hell I’m even talking about."
- Tracy Otsuka
"We have a glitchy default mode network which causes us to ruminate more, to struggle more with rejection sensitive dysphoria - to feel paralyzed by indecision."
- Tracy Otsuka
"I was thinking about why choosing this one word works so well for my ADHD brain and I think it’s that it’s so simple. We have working memory issues, we forget a list of new year’s resolutions but one word, I can remember that."
- Tracy Otsuka
- Tracy chooses one word each year to set her direction, finding comfort in visibility despite initial discomfort.
- Tracy overcame her fear of visibility by choosing a word (nervy) and holding herself accountable, eventually leading to the creation of a podcast.
- Tracy's ADHD made it difficult for her to remember information, but she found success by scripting and eventually having fun with it.
[9:31 - 16:06] Choosing a Word for the Year to Improve Focus and Productivity
- Tracy highlights the importance of consistency in her life, citing it as her 2019 word of the year.
- Tracy chooses the word "impact" for 2020, aiming to make a positive difference in women's lives through her work.
- Tracy shares that ADHD brains struggle with ruminating thoughts, but taking action can increase confidence.
- Tracy's word for 2022 is "outsider," reflecting her desire to push boundaries and lead rather than follow.
- Tracy orders jewelry with her word of the year on it to constantly remind herself of her intention.
- Tracy thanks listeners for their support and encourages them to leave reviews to help change the conversation around ADHD.
