Professor Adam Grant from Harvard University has similar New Year’s goals to me when it comes to self-improvement. I’ve tried time and again to get into the popular New Year’s Resolutions like giving up soda, daily positive affirmations, or getting up at 4:30 a.m. like Tim Cook, but my mind and body just can’t sustain it. They eventually come to a united front of saying “Not gonna happen. Sorry. Access denied.”

And then Ann Shoket, former editor-in-chief of Seventeen, came in and changed everything. When I worked for her as an associate editor, she suggested that we think of one word to define our year ahead—hers was ‘brave.’ We were inspired by other companies and decided that we could have success too. It was something to get excited about, but more importantly, it felt realistic. We felt no guilt at the end of each day in January for not going to the gym because we were embodying our chosen word of the year 2016 through acts, both big and small.

What one word would sum up your desired attitude for the upcoming year? Perhaps 2015 signified a large change for you, and now you wish to excel in an occupation that isn’t so new to you anymore or take your side hustle up a notch. This year, maybe you were constantly on the go, and you’re considering your 2016 word of the year amidst this growth

Below, the team at Levo shared their 2016 Words of the Year to get you started. Get inspired and tweet yours to Levo with the hashtag #WordofTheYear!

Authenticity. “Continue to learn more about yourself and align your life and leadership with your true self—that is what living in your truth is and where your greatest energy emanates from.” —Caroline Ghosn, founder, and CEO 

Create. “I’m making 2016 the year I bring my ideas to life and I cannot wait!” —Jenny Groza, senior producer 

Connect. “Because it is the key to it all—career, family, friends. I’ve chosen new word for 2016 as my guiding principle.” —Shannon King, chief operating officer 

Devoted. “In the past year, I’ve done a lot of work on figuring out how I want to show up in the world—with my career, my energy, and my relationships. 2016 is the year I root deeply into all those desires and commit myself to create that magic in my life. Epic devotion to new word of the year 2016.” —Maxie McCoy, curriculum and talent consultant

[Related: 7 Office Trends You Can Expect to See in 2016]

Endurance. “I’d like to have better endurance when it comes to both my personal and professional lives. It’s important to endure the ups and downs of life and to remain positive. I have a tendency to get discouraged quickly when faced with obstacles, which causes stress. But by redirecting my energy to enduring and weathering situations, I’ll be able to see them through to the other side. Solutions don’t always appear in my time, but in God’s time and according to His plan. I have to endure until a resolution, the right resolution, presents itself and I’m able to take the right step.” —Amy Elisa Jackson, director of partnerships & social 

Focus. “I selected this word because I want to focus on what’s important to me in 2016. My goal is to try and cut out the other noise and really focus on my goals in both my personal and professional life.” —Ellen Lorenzo-Rojas, senior director of business development 

Gratitude. “I’ve read several articles lately about how you can physically rewire your brain to create more happiness for yourself, and the main way to do this is by approaching all situations with most used word in 2016 and positivity. My goal for 2016 is to find gratitude in all situations, which will hopefully lead to my most happy, productive year yet!” —Lexie Mitchell, director, Local Levo

Hard work. [two words, still count!] “Recently I realized that I’ve spent my whole life trying to make a dream work for me when really I should be working for that dream. 2016 is the year of working hard to reach the goals I formerly disregarded because I thought they were unattainable.” —Jille Natalino, marketing designer 

Honesty. “Since my Dad passed last December, I learned more and more about who he was to everyone he touched. I realized that he didn’t live a perfect nor pristine life by any means—despite his gracing Carnegie Hall multiple times; working with Dizzie and Nina and other all-stars. He did lead a passionate and truthfully honest life, however. And he touched SO MANY humans on a level I had no idea about until after he passed—the stories which I learned about afterward inspired me on a completely different level. When I learned about some of his personal amazing impacts, I was humbled (and I hoped at that time) that I could also live a life of grace, passion, and dedication, and provide an environment of succor to those around me as he did—without bragging or boasting. Giving is where it’s at. Period. Living an honest (passionate) life is where it’s AT.” —Alexandra Dowling, assistant to the co-founder and CEO 

Hopeful. “Knowing that there is hope can really get you through anything, and that’s the attitude I want to bring with me into 2016.” —Erica Murphy, editor, career advice 

Light. “2015 challenged my personal strength in ways I was not expecting. I’ve never been much of a yoga person, but I found myself going back to this one studio week after week because it began to feel so healing. Every time, I’d unfurl my mat right underneath this skylight, and as I practiced, I’d stare up at the bright blue San Francisco sky, which filled me with strength. In dark times, the sun always rises. You just have to show up for it. I also like the idea of ‘light’ in terms of not sweating the small stuff, and not carrying around baggage. When little, day-to-day frustrations try to get in your way, brush ’em off your shoulders. Light, grateful, positive—that’s my plan for 2016!” —Devin Tomb, deputy editor 

Lovely. “It’s the inner aspiring British person in me but I think it’s a little more creative than ‘nice job.’ I also just really enjoy the awesome sauce. It is so silly, and yet conveys so much and is now a part of the dictionary which cracks me up.” —Meredith Lepore, editor-at-large 

Mapping. “This year I want to spend time intentionally mapping out concepts and domains I’ve spent the last few years exploring (and will continue exploring). I also want to discover one new way to asynchronously communicate with others.” —Matt Nicole, product director 

Opportunity. “Last year was a big year of transitions for me—graduating college, moving to NYC, and settling into my first job, apartment, etc. I look forward to the next year as the chance for me to dig deeper into myself—to seek out and make the most of the opportunities that surround me. I want to enter the new year with the mindset that opportunity may be around me, but that it’s up for me to make the most of it.” —Emily Drewry, marketing associate 

Patience. “I’m impatient with myself. When I can’t figure something out, when I take longer than expected, when I can’t find the right words to express a thought, when I can’t muster the courage to do something…my impatience drives me away from embracing moments for what they are. To myself: Be patient, take your time and let go.” —Zainab Ebrahimi, front-end web developer

Preparedness. “2015 was a big year of change—our family grew and I took on a new job, among other things. It felt like the scope of my life work more than doubled in size and I have finally realized that there is no balance or managing or control—it’s a day-to-day adventure. So in 2016, I am committed to not trying to manage or balance—I’m aiming to enjoy myself. And I’ve found, the best way to enjoy an adventure rather than be overwhelmed, is to have a plan for the things you know are coming—whether it’s the inevitable stomach bug at home, our annual campaigns at work, or even just the nights we know we’re not going to want to follow our meal plan.” —Julia Gilfillan, VP, member development 

Reflective. “It seems like there are never enough hours in the day to get everything done. But what really should be prioritized and what can I stop doing to free up some time? That’s what I will be asking myself this year.” —Kathleen Harris, VP, of content development 

Sharpen. “It’s a reference to the classic ‘Sharpen your saw’ story. I’m sharpening my skills, both professionally (learning ways to be more productive) and personally (learning faster/better cooking techniques).” —David Butler, director of software engineering 

Social. “Social defines my role, my new company, my passion, and my side hustle. It represents who I am as a person and how I interact with the world. It’s opened doors for me and introduced me to some of the most amazing people, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me in 2016.” —Helena Hounsel, social media consultant  

Vitality. “May I have it and surround myself with others who do.” —Caroline Gray, multimedia & education manager

Zestful. “I’m looking towards 2016 with wide eyes and an abundance of most used word in 2016. With travel plans to fill up my passport, feeling my stride professionally and general excitement for friends and family as they have received exciting news/life events, I’m feeling alive!” —Eva Valerio, manager, of customer acquisition

Photo: Westend61 / Getty Images

Join Forces of Women Professionals

Stay empowered, inspired, and connected with a network of incredible women. Subscribe to our email updates today and be part of a vibrant community driving change together. Don’t miss out on exclusive content, events, and opportunities. Together, we’re more vital! Subscribe now!