Ask.

This is my list of words that I'll be returning to again and again in 2013:

Ask.

I've heard this idea from a number of places. Have a word you can return to to check in with and make sure you're actually going after your goals for the year. 

Ask is my word because asking is how I can reconnect with the world. What questions do I need to ask?

• How do I_____?
• Would you like to ____ with me ('go out', e.g.)?
• Can you teach me________?
• I am applying for _________.
• Where can I find _________?
• Can I help you___________?
• Have you read__________?
• Did I do this the best way I could have?
• Do you think you can give me some feedback?
• Will you publish my paper?
• I'm curious about________. 
• Do I have to be a postdoc forever?
• Have I formed better habits around_____?
• I would like __________.

I don't ask things of people or myself nearly enough. I settle for the status quo. I of course will ask questions in the lab and hopefully ask good ones. For too long, I've just not asked due in large part to a fear of vulnerability. I learned to hide behind 10 layers of brick wall in my mind and rarely let anyone in...not even me at times. What do I want? I've almost never had a good answer for this question. 

You may have noticed I have some other words below 'Ask'. These are other words to focus on this year. Finish, doing, deciding, writing and it will be good enough. Not perfect. I made this image the lock screen on my phone and I put it into Evernote as a note so hopefully I'll look at this often and be reminded. Asking terrifies me a lot of the time. I'm that person who won't even bring up bad service at a restaurant to the server; or often ask why something is one way vs. another. 

So my main word for this year is to ask. Of others. Of myself. Of the internet. 

Do you have a word or words for 2013?