Today is New Year’s Eve, and people are already buzzing about their resolutions for the new year. Every year starts off the same, armed with a list of ways you’d like to improve your life. It’s not really a bad concept, since we all have areas in our lives where we could use improvement. Where most people go wrong is they set goals which are often difficult to achieve and take a long time to reach. They start off with a bang the first week of January, but get discouraged with each passing week until they’ve given up altogether by the time February rolls around. Why does this happen? Our culture wants to see immediate results, so when that doesn’t happen, we throw in the towel. Well, I’m here today to tell you to stop the nonsense. Just say no to new year’s resolutions this year!
Maybe you think I’m letting you off the hook this year by telling you to forget resolutions this year, but I assure you that is not the case. I still think it’s important to set goals for your life, so that’s why I’m suggesting for you to choose one word instead. Just one word that will inspire you, bring you into focus, and give you a vision for your future.
One word to become your theme of the year, and guide you to becoming a better you.
One word to challenge you to make positive changes in your life.
Sounds simple, huh? Yes, but trust me, it really works! I started this a few years ago after reading an article about this concept, and I was amazed at how much it changed my life. Why? It is so much easier to concentrate on one word rather than a long list of goals. I found myself thinking of it on most days, and reflecting on my progress often. Also, by choosing one word, it can cover multiple aspects of your life, instead of focusing on just one.
For example, my first year of choosing a word, I chose the word SERVE since I wanted to devote my time to serving others. It led me to volunteer for local organizations and my church. It encouraged me to serve friends and family by inviting them to dinners at my home and hosting parties. It inspired me to think more about being a good wife and serving my husband as well. When something came up that needed to be done and I didn’t want to do it, the word SERVE would come to mind, and it would motivate me to make a better decision. I love how choosing one word simplified my goals for the year, so I decided to stick with it.
My word for last year was CHANGE. I know that the purpose of choosing a word of the year is to inspire change, but I really wanted some changes in my life, so that’s the word I chose for that year. Guess what? It gave me the courage to quit my job, start this blog, and pursue dreams for my life I had forgotten about long ago. I told you this really works!
So, what word will you choose to focus on for this year? Here are some words to get you started.
Not sure what word to pick for you? Spend time reflecting on your life and the changes you’d like to see happen this year. Think of the characteristics you would need to make those changes happen. Then pick one of those words to become your theme of the year. It’s that easy!
Know your word for this year? Way to go! Let your friends and family know you’re committed by sharing your word with them, or feel free to share it in the comments below if you’d like. I’d love to hear it!
Happy New Year!
Thank you so much for this post !
I’m so glad you liked it!
💗 this post! And you are so right about resolution! Words I’m thinking & praying are: Intentional, Redeem, & Caleb whose life inspires me in so many ways. It’s not even Christmas yet, so I’ve got some time. Question: did you ever choose a word & then end up changing it due to God’s re-direction?
Hi Linda, I haven’t had God change my direction on a word of the year yet, but there’s always this year, so who knows? This year it took me a while to settle on my word of the year, but God confirmed it when a friend gave me an ornament with the word on it and then I grabbed some Washi tape from my craft stash that had the same word on it. I knew that FLOURISH would be my word for 2018! I know God will direct you, too. One thought is that although I have a word of the year, I’ve also chosen a word of the month at times in the past to help me work through specific goals. That gives you the chance extra words God lays on your heart. I know you’ll make the right decision!
I love this and this is the first year I’m doing it. My word this year is Contentment.
Wow! Contentment is an excellent word to inspire you. I finished reading a book on contentment last night. I think it’s hard to be content and it does require a conscious effort to keep us in line. I pray this is the year you find the contentment your heart deserves!
I love this! I chose my word to be ‘involve’ because I didn’t get involved in any extracurricular activities this year. I hope that when I hear about new oppurtunities in the school notices, I might think of this word and sign up.
It’s great to choose a word that challenges us and get us out of our comfort zone. I hope that your word encourages you to get involved in extracurricular activities that you will enjoy this year.
Hello Christie,
First, I want to thank you for all your encouragement and thoughts throughout this year,
There were times when it was really needed.
Second, I hope you will continue to share that knowledge throughout this coming year,
There will be times when it is really needed.
And third,
I hope you and your family have a wonderful 2018 New Year!
Happy New Year to all.
Thank you so much, Leah. I appreciate your sweet comment so much!! XOXO
I did this for the first time this year. I prayed for God to show me my word. I got pray, which lead me to stumble onto your prayer journal pages. I love them!!