Today is really the first day of the New Year–the first true working day, that is–and while your New Year’s resolutions may have already hit the skids (if you made any), you still have ample time to choose your trajectory for 2011.

Chris Brogan gave a great suggestion for how to set a course for the coming year. I’ll wait here while you read Chris’ advice (sign up for his newsletter while you’re at it, cuz it’s awesome) and start cogitating about what your three words might be. When you get back here, I’ll give you some advice on how to “activate” your three words.

Back already? Great. So here’s the deal. Three words can be super powerful. But like any sort of compass heading, they’re only as good as the attention you give them.

Create a visionboard. Yeah, I know I’ve already said this but with your three words as a guide, your visionboard gives you a subtle but persistent and highly personal reminder of those three simple words. I made mine using MindManager, printed it and put it up on my bathroom mirror. (Last year’s experiences were so mindblowingly similar to what my visionboard had on it that I can’t wait to see what, or who, shows up this year!)

Print your words and put them everywhere. Nuff said.

Journal on each of your words. Take one word and really explore what it means for you. There is no substitute for this kind of deep thinking.

Take it farther. Choose three words with your spouse. Or your kids. Have three personal words and three career words.

Go on “3 Words Dates.” If you’re familiar with Julia Cameron’s Artist's Way, then you’ll know about the idea of an Artist Date.  Set aside a coffee date (30 minutes to an hour) every couple of weeks to focus on your 3 words. Use that time to check progress, contemplate, journal, and make plans.

Conversation starters. Ask people to articulate what one of your three words means to them. You’re sure to get new, and possibly valuable, perspective.

Look for role models. These can be people you know or people you wish you knew. Study how that person embodies one (or more) of your three words. Use this as an opportunity to reach out and spend more time in the company of someone who is important to you.

Pray your 3 words. If you’re a person of faith, take your 3 words to God in prayer. You might simply read your 3 words aloud and then ask for God’s guidance or blessing.

No matter how you choose to engage with your 3 words, keep me posted (and Chris, too, I'm sure he'll want to know) update to date on your progress. I look forward to celebrating your success in 2011.