We’ve all done it. We’ve willed every bit of ambition and good intention into making a list of New Year’s Resolutions. “This year will be different!” we promise ourselves. We set off after the joyous feasting and festivities of the holidays into a New Year with a long and… well, overwhelming list of reminders of how terrible your current reality is and all of the things you need to change about your life to make yourself happy. This year, let’s not do that.

Instead, I pose that we take that long list of things that inevitably do not get done and simplify it into one word. Just one. 

One word provides clarity and focus. 

One word sets vision.

One word is achievable and inspiring.

I have chosen one word for each year for the past 10 years or so. These words have helped me to mark time, reflect on my growth, and increase my gratitude as I marvel at how the word marks important moments in my life that I could never have otherwise imagined.

For instance, a few years back, I chose the word “endure.” It was a difficult season, after I moved thousands of miles away from my family and started a new job. I wanted to quit and run back home but I made a promise to endure.

A couple years later, I chose “newness.” And on December 1 of that year, I had a new job, a new community, and a new outlook on my future.

My one words have become a vision, reminder, and theme that characterizes my year. They have helped me set boundaries, when I ask myself, “Is this [action, pursuit, goal] in alignment with my one word?” They have helped me stay optimistic when I need a little extra motivation. They have helped me keep time by defining major events each year. While I have chosen words that end up being more about my personal life, this year, I will choose one for my business as well.

Choosing one word is easy! First, reflect on the past by answering these questions:

  1. What is one thing that you were proud of this year?
  2. What one thing do you want to do differently next year?

Then, answer these questions as you plan for the future.

  1. What one thing do you want to focus on this year?
  2. How do you want to remember this year? 

Finally, think strategically:

  1. What singular thing do you want to accomplish this year?
  2. What needs organizing or defining in your business?
  3. What inspires you when you are out of steam?

Look back over your list of answers. Is there a word that is repeated or that jumps out at you as the most important? Which one resonates the most deeply with you? 

Sometimes a word can pop in your head instantly! But, don’t feel pressured to choose one word right away. Often times, I have a few words that I think about during the month of December, and my one is confirmed later one by something I hear or read or pray. It is ok to ruminate for a little while, but when you have chosen your one word, share with us in the comments!