If you had to choose one word to describe your focus and intentions for the coming year, what would it be?
The start of the new year is a time of reflection and resolution. Making resolutions is one way many of us focus our goals for the coming year. If you’re looking for an easy but impactful way to make a resolution for 2021, why not consider choosing just one word? One word resolutions are an effective and inspiring way to commit to meaningful change over the course of the year.
Years ago I read a novel entitled Thursdays at Eight by Debbie Macomber. Rather than resolutions, the main characters each chose a word for the year. The word was to be something they wanted to focus on, strengthen or embrace. I loved the idea the practice became a part of my annual goal-setting routine.
[Tweet “If you had to choose one word to describe your focus and intentions for the coming year, what would it be?”]
[Tweet “How @debbiemacomber’s Thursdays at Eight changed my perspective on resolutions #OneWord”]
How choosing a word of the year has made a difference for me
One year, my word was “focus” and for the first two years, my word was gratitude. The year I chose “support” was to focus more on giving genuine support to others. I wanted to focus on the vision of Divas With A Purpose to be a site dedicated to supporting women in all areas of their lives.
[Tweet “While it seems simple enough, once you settle on a word and shape your goals for the year – that one word seems to be a flashing red light at times.”]
While it seems simple enough, once you settle on a word and shape your goals for the year – that one word seems to be a flashing red light at times. The first year I chose gratitude, two days into the new year I lost my youngest uncle. Gratitude was the furthest thing from my mind – but throughout the entire ordeal, it was there. A reminder that I had intentionally decided to focus on gratitude no matter what, and had to hold myself accountable.
[Tweet “#NowReading: Choosing Your #OneWord for the Year”]
How to Choose Your Word of the Year
This is an exercise that I have used in the past and with goal-setting groups to help others determine their word of the year. One thing I always stress is that your word may not come to you immediately. You may need to meditate on it and let it come to you. The year I chose BOLD as my word it came to me while I was washing dishes. Totally out of the blue, but it clicked and made sense when I reflected on the growth I needed to focus on that upcoming year.
1 – Without being deliberate, begin writing down words focused on what you would like to do and be in the upcoming year. It could be specific activities you would like to accomplish; characteristics you would like to embody and embrace; habits you would like to break; anything that comes to mind when you think about the coming months
2 – Review your list and circle any words that stand out to you.
3 – Reflect on what you want to accomplish in the coming year, and compare it to your circled words. Does anything jump at you? Is there a resounding theme?
4 – Recognize that sometimes your word may come to you immediately. You may need to meditate on it and seek guidance and input from others.
Have you chosen a word for the year?
Share it below in the comments or on this Facebook thread to connect with others.
Grab the digital or physical version of the This Year I Will… printable to help guide your focus and intentions for the upcoming year. Click here to grab the digital version for only $0.99.
Michell @Prowess and Pearls says
Hey Michelle! Joi’s “one word” post got my wheels to spinning, so I’ve linked up my post! Love your word, btw! Support is something we all need in the blogging world! Thanks so much for sharing it! Have a wonderful rest of your weekend my friend!
beingawordsmith says
Thank you for the invite, Barbara. I will do that.
xtraleo says
This is my first year joining the challenge and already it has been a challenge thinking of my word! I have it and I’m linking up on Monday! Thank you for this.
Britton says
I LOVEd this challenge Michelle and I linked up. My word for this year is “transition”. Happy New Year!
Lynn says
Kalley C brought me here! My Word for 2014 is actually Purpose! I’ll be blogging about how I’m living my life in Purpose, on Purpose, and with Purpose! Great to connect with you 🙂
Britton says
I haven’t come up with my one word yet, but I will be over the next few days. I have been thinking of a couple possibilties! I love this idea Michelle! Happy new Year!
Drea says
Thank you so much for sharing this, Michelle. I was guided to this post by Mrs. Tee of mrsteelovelifeandlaughter.com and have chosen the word fearless. I will embrace all that the year has in store for me without fear, but with love and excitement. =)
I wish you the best in all of your endeavors!
Joanna Sormunen says
Support sounds like a terrific word. I like the way it is directed to your mission and vision, to the service you want to give. May God bless you in this and may He give you the strenght to fullfill it.
Michelle says
Many thanks to you and your encouraging words, Joanna! May God bless and keep you, as well!
Corlie says
I love this, I first came across your blog via beingawordsmith so I hopped over. I’ve already chosen my word for 2014 – build – but I’ve yet to write the post 🙂 perhaps right now is the time to write it!
Michelle says
Glad we were able to provide the inspiration to put together a post! Can’t wait for you to link-up and connect. Happy 2014!
Chirleen says
Great tips on choosing your word of the year. I actually chose one just this morning, HOPE. I chose this word mostly because I’m a new Christ-follower but also because after years and years of trying to start a family, I’d like to remain hopeful that one day I will become a mother.
Joi @ Rx Fitness Lady says
I’ll be linking up late but I have chosen a word. Support is a phenomenal word! It is aligned with this inspirational blog for sure. It’s a world of support already here for women seeking motivation. Happy New Year!
Lisa says
Thank you, not only for hosting, but for your kind comments on my blog. Being a support to your family and friends is a noble and godly calling. I know that I am very grateful for support that I have been given along the way. I pray that your 2014 will bring many blessings.
Kimberly H. Smith says
I did it, Michelle. I wrote my post for my one word and came back to link up. Thank you for sharing this. It is going to be a great new year. Happy New Year!
Barbara Hoyer says
Being a wordsmith, I have 4 words for 2014! I’m using the ones I chose for 2013 since I’m finding they continue to resonate with me: Compassion, Release, Dedication, and Discipline.
I would love for you to share your post and printable with my readers at my Motivation Monday linky: http://alifeinbalance.net
Michelle says
Hi Barbara! Thank you for stopping through and sharing your words and the linky! Those are some strong words – here’s to a fantastic 2014!
misssrobin says
This will be my third year of choosing one word for the year. My word for the year is CREATE. I want to create the world of my dreams. I’m so excited to see how the year unfolds. Best wishes with your word; it’s a great choice!
Happy Sharefest and best wishes for a wonderful new year.
Michelle says
Love it!!! Thanks for stopping through to share your word and the inspiration behind it. Happy 2014!
KoKoa Magazine (@KoKoaMagazine) says
Hmmmm My one word for 2014 would probably be Focus because in this new year I want to focus more on ways to develop me and my goals hence the name of our business lol. Great post
Michelle says
Great word! That was mine from last year and it was great and refreshing to eliminate some fluff and truly focus on those things that mattered most personally and professionally.
cassi9879b says
Maybe organization would be the one word for me.
Michelle says
That would be a great one! I need to have that as a sub-word…LOL
gladiatorinheels says
Awesome!! My husband turned me on to the One Word challenge last year and I enjoy it much more than a list of New Year resolutions. Not that I did exceptionally well keeping my 2013 word before me but I am more focused for 2014. My One Word for 2014 is PRESENT. I need to be more present in everything that I do, my relationship with God, being wife, mom, employee, every area, even cooking, which I cannot stand! My blog post about this will be up next week. Thanks for posting, found you via SITS Girls
Michelle says
Love it! Way to go hubby for introducing you to the One Word challenge. Can’t wait to read your blog post. Happy 2014!
Kathy Nicholls says
I actually do 3 words that set the north star for the new year. This year my words are gratitude, opportunity, and inspire. My post on my blog on Monday morning will flush that out more. I love that it provides a guide for the year!
Michelle says
Love your 3 words! I just read your post. This year I’m, also, focusing on Organization and Patience (both personally and professionally). Thanks for stopping through! Have a fantastic new year!
mrsrkfj says
This was a great post! Thank you for sharing how you got the idea, and what word you used each year.
Carole says
This is so awesome! A great way to start the new year! My word is kindness. I’ll be linking my post to your site soon! Thanks for sharing!
MochaChic says
Michelle, this is perfect way to begin the new year with! I need time to think about my word! I’ve posted this on my FB fan page and might use it as an exercise with my group of friends to guide our vision boards! Thank you for sharing.
Michelle says
Thank you! I appreciate you sharing it! My kids and I are going to do something similar on New Years Eve to set the tone for the new year. Can’t wait for you to share your word.
MochaChic says
MIchelle, Happy New Year! Here’s my blog post about my one word…enjoy!
http://lifewithmochachic.wordpress.com/2014/01/01/2014-one-word/
Diaryofa1stTimeMom (@DearMomDiary) says
My one word is ELEVATE. Time to move myself and others to the next level! Hopefully with your support:)
Michelle says
Love it and, of course, I’m ready to support in any way I am able! Appreciate you stopping through and sharing your word.
ClassySharelle says
I LOVE this Diva!! Girl This year I am going to be “Intentional.” Do the things that make sense, because the intent is clear!!!
Michelle says
Thanks Diva!!! I cannot wait to celebrate the successes of 2014 as you move forward with that clear intent!
Kimberly H. Smith says
Michelle, I am loving this! I shared it on my fb fan page. I’m going to give this some serious thought because 3 words came to mind and I want to choose wisely. Will be back to link up! #SGBC
Michelle says
Thanks so much! I appreciate you sharing this with your readers and your support! Can’t wait for you to share your word with us!
Niecy says
I LOVE your word! I have been doing one word for several years now too. First was Encore 2010, Increase 2011, Glory 2012 and Glory stuck around again in 2013 because I wanted to see God’s glory in my life. This year by word is ORDER. I’ll link up for sure once I write my post closer to the New Year!
Hugs!
Niecy
Michelle says
You’ve had some powerful words! Looking forward to your post.
Thanks for connecting, Diva!
Aleshea says
Ohh, I like this. I’ll have to bookmark this and try and not forget to link-up once the Christmas Link-up I’m doing is over.
Michelle says
Hope to see you back, Aleshea! Have a fantabulous Christmas!
Rea says
This is such a great idea. I’m new here and I’m linking up! Thanks so much for sharing as this one is so timely for me. My word this year is UNDERSTAND. 🙂
Michelle says
Welcome Rea! Thank you for connecting and linking up your word for the year! Love it!
Kalley C says
That’s a great word to focus on this year. This year, I picked patience. For 2014, I’m thinking about picking Bold. I want to do things that are different and out of my comfort zone. I want to experience more things for sure!
Michelle says
I love it Kalley! I can’t wait to see what’s in store for you as you step out of your comfort zone with boldness!