First, why do you even need a word?

Answer= focus.

You got goals, right? Maybe you’re working on a project or a better version of you. You strive towards something. If you are like me, you’ll also likely forget in the next 15 minutes. So, when you hit a rough patch this year, you need a word that reminds you of why you won’t quit and what you are working towards. It’s like a mini-reset button when you get overwhelmed or frustrated.

When you think of all the words that could be your “one word” for the year, do twenty come to mind? Me, too.

Do you get overwhelmed when you try to narrow down to just ONE WORD when you have 100 things you need to work on? Ditto.

 Forbes magazine says that only 40% of Americans make New Year’s resolutions, and of those, only 8% follow through. I want you to be in the 8 percent. This is a good place to start.

Here’s how to jump on the bandwagon and find your word for the upcoming year:

1. Pray. Be still. Meditate.

Reflect on the past year. What was good? What changes do you want to make? What do you want to accomplish this year? How do you want next year to be different?

Take your time. Jot a few goals down. What’s it going to take to get you there?

2. Brain dump

Think of all the words that inspire you, encourage you, or represent you and your goals. Be creative, what words motivate you?

Write them all down. All of them. Don’t overthink this one.

Eliminate words that lack the “it” factor.

3. Pray

Always pray. Ask Jesus what your word should be. Start paying attention over the next few days. You might start noticing a certain word or theme pop up.

4. Practice

When you hit your speed bumps, will that word be able to inspire, motivate, and refocus you? Jog your memory on your mission, vision, or goals?

Trust me, it will come to you. Give it a day or two. There’s no right or wrong answers.

This is YOUR word for the year.

Last year, I chose the word “mindset”. I needed to reframe my mindset on several fronts; at home, work, and in my writing.

I needed to remember whose daughter I am and that I am called to do this.

When I started to doubt or shy away, I quickly hit my reset button.

“Mindset.”

It helped me regain focus and remember what I had to change if I wanted to accomplish my goals this year. This year I chose “victory” because that is how I want to approach everything…from a place of victory. Yes, it still has to do with my mindset, but it’s a process.

Cannot wait to hear yours!

Stop, drop, and pray:

     Dear Jesus,

   Thank you for all the way you have brought us this past year. Please lead us to that one word that helps us reset throughout this year. You know our hearts, goals, and desires. Please give us everything it takes to be all you call us to be. Give us courage. Keep us focused on you above all else. Make us bold in stepping out this year to follow you and be all you have called us to be. Thank you, Lord. In Jesus’ name,

Amen.