My Three Words for 2023

At the start of each new year, I carefully select the three words for the year that will serve as the framework on which my tactical goals will be based. This is a process that Chris Brogan introduced in 2006 and that I’ve been consistently doing since 2008.

In an ideal world, my three words are both personal and professional applications to them. Does that always happen? No. Should that be how you select yours? Not necessarily. You may choose one that’s strictly professional, one that’s a mix, and one that’s purely personal. Your mileage will vary.

Before we jump into my three words for 2023, let’s look back at 2022.

How did 2022 go?

My three words for 2022 were: Content, Focus, and Invest.

I did ok with creating content throughout the year. I didn’t necessarily publish blog posts, podcasts, and newsletters consistently but I did have several by-lines, doubled down on my LinkedIn content, and began exploring TikTok and YouTube Shorts for short-form video. In late 2022 I did launch my Influencer Impact podcast and LinkedIn newsletter.

As my role evolved at work, I focused my efforts on influencer marketing and private communities. At Demandbase we launched multiple influencer campaigns, including an interactive comic that was a finalist for a CMI award, and private communities became one of the focus areas for our team, especially working with our customers to empower them to be active in communities. This will continue next year as we expand our efforts.

Finally, we spent a lot of time invested in our family. We had Sunday dinner almost every week and spent countless time at the pool, enjoyed time at a local lake/park that we discovered, went down to our favorite beach a couple of times, had last-minute cookouts, and many other opportunities that presented themselves.

While you can always do more, I’m happy with 2022, for the most part. There were several aspects of the year that were hard and unexpected but, overall, I’d give the year a passing grade.

My 3 Words for 2023

As we dive into 2023, my 3 words are Exploration, Sharpen, and Durability.

Exploration — I will be spending more time exploring new areas both physically, such as new locations, as well as ever-evolving topics and changes as they apply to B2B marketing. Each year we take a vacation. Some years it’s to an area that we’ve visited before while other years we explore somewhere new. This year we plan on choosing a new location. Also, though we’ve spent the majority of our lives living in CT, there are so many areas that we’ve never visited. When you think about exploration as it applies to work, an obvious one would be AI. I’m a novice when it comes to AI but it’s an area that I’ve been spending an increasing amount of time thinking about.

Sharpen — In 2022 each employee at work received an L&D budget to help them grow professionally. Since I already have access to LinkedIn Learning, I chose to invest in Coursera Plus, Masterclass, and Simon Sinek’s materials. I also have access to a variety of opportunities through internal training as well as the private communities that I’m a member of. I’ve already begun to sharpen my skills thanks to opportunities and will continue to do more in 2023.

Durability — In a professional sense, this is similar to exploration since I will be durable in the changing environment in B2B marketing. But, this one is more personal. While the verdict isn’t in yet, I’d be highly surprised if I expect 2023 without needing shoulder replacement surgery on my left shoulder. I have had aggressive bone spur growth and reduced cartilage in both shoulders since my last x-rays this time last year, however, in my left shoulder, I barely have little external rotation and daily pain. Currently, I’m in another 8 weeks of physical therapy. Following that, I will be receiving another opinion from an ortho surgeon. So, durability comes into play because if I do in fact have another surgery, I will need to be as durable as I was following my previous surgeries. But, as you get older, it’s harder to bounce back and 8 years is a long time.

Well, there you have it, a quick look back at 2022, and my three words for 2023. If you’re interested in what others have selected, check out the #my3words hashtag on whatever social channels you’re on these days.