Description

In this episode of Thriving in the Messy Middle, Amy P Wilkins, leadership coach and former media exec, draws listeners into a compelling reflection on choosing a "word of the year" and its transformative power in leading a purposeful life. Amy unveils her chosen word for 2026, "AWE," exploring its profound significance beyond just being the name of her company. With a thorough understanding of navigating complex life transitions, Amy shares insights that illustrate the rejuvenating impact of awe, both psychologically and emotionally.

Highlighting the roots of her approach, Amy outlines her "AWE Framework" – Awareness, Willingness, and Energy – as essential elements to cultivating personal growth. She discusses how fostering awareness allows individuals to recognize their true selves, willingness encourages bold action despite fear, and energy sustains progress and intentionality. Each concept underscores the importance of living strategically and embracing the unknown with a growth mindset. As Amy articulates these concepts, she utilizes key terms such as "growth zone," "resilience," and "creativity," emphasizing a scientifically validated understanding of how awe can expand our thinking, enhance well-being, and spur empathetic interactions.

Key Takeaways

• Choosing a Word of the Year: Selecting a word to guide the year provides a focused vision and grounds you amid life's unpredictabilities.
• Embracing Awe: Awe bridges the exhilarating and the terrifying, serving as a catalyst for growth and creativity.
• The AWE Framework: Awareness, Willingness, and Energy are key aspects for self-growth and navigating challenges.
• Reflection Exercise: Visualizing your achievements by the end of the year can help identify the word that aligns with your goals.
• Scientific Benefits of Awe: Experiencing awe leads to stress reduction, mood enhancement, and increased empathy.

Quotes

Awe is the only word that captures that magical tension of being exhilarated and terrified at the same time.
Awareness is about paying attention to the truth of where you are right now. Without judgment, without performance, without the story.
Willingness is where transformation actually begins.
When I choose awe, I'm choosing to elevate my energy, to stay connected to the things that sustain, inspire, and stabilize me.
Energy is the expression of our choice. It's how we embody the next version of ourselves.
A single word that shapes your attention, a word that reflects your aspirations.

Research Referenced: Scientific studies about the power of awe.
The Power of Everyday Awe Eben Harrell, Harvard Business Review
What Is Awe? Greater Good Science Center, UC Berkeley
Eight Reasons Why Awe Makes Your Life Better Greater Good Science Center, UC Berkeley