"PRO"

A guiding word for daily mastery

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Do you embrace a ‘word of the year’?  

A word that would guide you towards your intentions and aspirations?

For me, it’s a ritual I’ve had for a few years now. Beyond the casual selection of a word, it becomes a personal commitment to a concept, a guiding principle which helps steer my daily pursuits.

For 2024, my word is “PRO”.  

Not just a mere abbreviation, but an ethos inspired by Steven Pressfield’s compelling works on professionalism and dedication.  His latest publication, “THE DAILY PRESSFIELD” delves into the transformative power of adopting a professional mindset.

I love a short, punchy word.  

One with a bit of gumption.

A word I can lean into, day after day, after day.

“PRO” isn’t solely about achieving mastery in a specific field; it’s about approaching each day, each task and endeavour with an unwavering commitment to being professional. I’ve selected the word “PRO” because in my humble opinion, it’s about making a conscious effort to taking an action with proficiency and dedication. Even if on some days I’ll find it really hard to do. But I have to do hard things.

For those of you who know me and my journaling mission, you’ll know how important incorporating a ‘word of the day’ serves as a constant reminder that I’m to uphold my values in every aspect of my life. Here’s the thing, it’s not about reaching the pinnacle of perfection, but about striving to achieve my best in everything I do.

Whether it’s the way in which I train my ridgebacks, the finesse in hosting my therapeutic journaling workshops or the commitment to parking my ass down in the chair to write my book, my goal isn’t just to be a “PRO”, but to embody the spirit of “PRO” - so I can grow, evolve and progress throughout 2024.

This extract from The Daily Pressfield explains ‘turning pro’ in more detail…

Turning pro is like kicking a drug habit or stopping drinking. It’s a decision, a decision to which we must re-commit every day. Each day, the professional understands, she will wake up to the same demons, the same resistance, the same self-sabotage, the same tendencies to shadow activities and amateurism that she has always faced. The difference is that now she will not yield to these temptations. She will have mastered them, and she will continue to master them.

So as I am on a mission, the fact that I have a mission, I’m hoping the word “PRO” will be the stabiliser I need to guide me forward with my mission.

Because my mission is a huge project.  

It involves reaching out to as many midlife women as possible, especially those who would like to channel their emotions into something more positive and creative, through the daily practice of ‘rage on a page’.  

During 2023, my word was “JOURNAL”. Through an intensive daily journaling practice, by studying to master therapeutic journaling and teaching my own unique journaling techniques;  it became obvious that I had discovered my calling.  I am itching closer to journaling mastery, and it’s a pursuit that surpasses the confines of success or failure.  Because I’ve experienced both.  I neither love or hate success or failure.  I welcome it all.  But for me, the word “PRO”, is about the dedication to becoming the best version of myself, one step and one word at a time. I’m keen to know if you have selected a word of the year, so please do share it with me.

Until the next time

Take care and stay safe xx