In 2013, I was inspired by a number of other bloggers to start the New Year with a Three Word Mantra rather than traditional resolutions. I chose Agility, Openness and Creativity and focusing on those three words worked so well, I continued to choose three words for 2014 and 2015. My 2014 words were my spin on Eric Barker (at Barking Up the Wrong Tree)‘s 4 P’s: Purpose, Perspective, People, and Play which came out for me as: Frugal, Cultivator and Nimble and my 2015 words were Nurture, Reconnect and Seek. I was able to reflect on 2013 and 2014, but things got pretty crazy at the end of 2015/beginning of 2016 with my new job and re-entering the workforce full time, that I didn’t reflect on 2015–or set a new 3 word mantra for 2016. After 2 years, I miss the practice of setting overarching word mantras and so I want to recommit this year. However, I am going to do something a little different.

I’ve now been involved with the International Baccalaureate Programme for over 6 years, the past two as the IB Coordinator and Theory of Knowledge teacher at a Chicago Public High School, and last year I thought of doing this, but didn’t put the idea into action. The IB has chosen 10 words that they feel incapsulate the ideals that the IB strives for and compiled them into what is called the IB Learner Profile:

Many schools do Learner Profile Awards to recognize students who embrace these different attributes. My school started recognizing students last year with monthly awards and this year we are continuing with the tradition, but adding a new twist: students also have the opportunity to nominate staff members for monthly awards. It’s been quite successful, actually, and I’ve been truly impressed with the rationale behind my students’ choices of adults they feel model these behaviors.

Maybe it’s the fact that both the IB and I turn 50 in 2018, but I’m going to use the Learner Profile this year for my Word Mantra. Rather than focusing on all ten at once, however, I’m going to use my planner and choose my words at the beginning of each month depending on what I need to focus on for that month.

For January, I’m going with Reflective, Open-Minded and Balanced and will see how this goes.

Regardless, here’s to a well-lived 2018!