I love rituals around the new year that help me focus and look forward to the coming months with new energy, dreams and aspirations. Rather than make resolutions, which for me often lack excitement and originality, and have a limited chance of succeeding beyond January 15, in the last few years I’ve taken a simple and effective approach – choosing 3 words for the new year. With careful consideration (and meditation) I select 3 words that will shape my plans, inform my decisions, and guide my actions for the next 12 months.

While many people select a “Word of the Year” to guide their course in the coming months, I like the asymmetry, flexibility and added power of a 3-word theme. And I’ve discovered others like the 3-word approach as well.

My colleague and employee engagement specialist David Zinger uses the 3-word theme as a great planning tool to focus on how to ‘engage’ the year ahead while allowing for room on how those themes are realized… in the workplace or in life.

Social media expert Chris Brogan focuses on 3 words in the new year as a model to improve both himself and his business. He suggests summing up an entire perspective into these words, and using them not only as guideposts for actions in the new year but also as “lighthouses” to direct you through stormy places.

OK, so what are my 3 words and how does this work?

Well, for example, in 2011 my 3 words were: Commitment. Connection. Confidence.  Here’s what happened last year: I joined a business mastermind group of 12 powerful women entrepreneurs, found new clients and new work; met some amazing people and made life-long connections both personally and professionally; took 3 “Avatar” courses that advanced my spiritual and personal growth; and spent a lot of time with my father in the last year of his life, including being with him when he passed on.

My 3 words for 2012 are: Inspire. Ask. Receive. And here’s why I chose them.

Inspire: The word inspire is derived from “in-spirit,” and I believe living with spirit, energy and harmony in our environments, work and relationships will create a much more beautiful world. Stayed tuned for a project I’m working on this year that’s all about my “desire to inspire.”

Ask: As a fiercely independent woman who prides herself on being self-sufficient, I used to think asking for help (or anything else) was ‘weak.” Well, I’m sooo over that. It is only when we are supported, that we can support our selves or others. I’m increasingly learning how to delegate tasks, and ask for help both in business and in life. I’ve learned that the first step in creating what you want is asking for what you need. Look out world…

Receive: As selfish as this might sound, I’m working on my ability to be a better “receiver” and accept help, kindness, money, love and more, with ease and grace. Again, similar to my challenge in learning to ask, I’ve often said “no” (consciously and unconsciously) to receiving things from others. Well, no more! I’ve realized only by being able to receive more, am I able to give more and serve the world in a bigger way. So in 2012, I am open to receive – love, money, creativity, work, fun, help, free coffee — whatever life serves up, with deep gratitude.

So there you have it, my “trifecta of transformation” for 2012 and the 3 words this year that, for me, will change everything.

What 3 words would you choose for 2012?

I’d love to hear about them, share in the comment section below.