What is Your Word for 2019?
I’m not sure when it became popular to choose “just one word” that would set the standard, or focus, for a coming year. Words like Courage, Change, or Fearless. Joy, Power, or Passion. Although I’ve heard about this for years, I’ve never done it. I didn’t see how just one word could encompass all of my thoughts about what I wanted to accomplish in an upcoming year.
I used to make New Years Resolutions, My resolutions were always “black or white;” I would or would not do this-or-that. I inevitably broke one or all of those resolutions, and then felt bad about myself for having done so. After a while, I started setting Goals instead.
A goal was something for which I could strive, something achievable. The goal was clear and defined, with outlined steps as to how I would reach that goal. With a goal, if I failed to reach one of the specific steps, I could redouble my efforts and try again.
Maybe I could have done that with a Resolution too, but – for me – somehow they were 2 different things.
As I was setting my Goals for 2019, I started thinking about the “just one word” theory and was curious when it became popular. I did a Google search and the first reference to it that I could find was in 2006. I also found a lot of interesting articles about this concept that really educated me about the philosophy behind this practice. I thought the best article was Choosing A Word To Define & Guide Your Year -2018 Edition. (It includes a downloadable sheet that helps you select your own word for the year if you need help.)
Before reading these articles, I decided upon a phrase to guide me in 2019: “Say no to the ‘good,’ so you can say yes to the ‘best.'” I always have too many things on my to-do list. And they’re all good things! But at times, I find myself torn in too many directions, trying to get them all done. I need to learn to say no to some things, even some good things, so I can say yes to the best things and give them my full attention.
But after reading the articles about choosing “just one word,” I’ve decided to do just that – choose just one word. It simply makes sense.
My word is FOCUS. What is yours?
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I love this! Last year was the first time I came across the one word theory. I did a questionnaire on Dayspring to get my word. My word for this year is courage. I have already had to apply that word this very morning to do something I was hesitant to do. With prayer and courage I was able to do it. Now waiting on the outcome of it. I love your word Focus! I need that too! Lol!
Hi Karen! I enjoyed reading your post. Last year my word was “Discipline”. For too many years I’ve had more “things” than I needed due to assorted life situations and being too sentimental about heirlooms. That was the year to shed “STUFF”! Along the way I managed to also lose 47 pounds thanks to watching YouTube videos about the Keto diet and intermittent fasting that I came across along with videos about “decluttering”! I needed to lose an attitude of “I’ll do that later”, as well. I was making rather good strides in both decluttering and weight loss until May when I was diagnosed with cancer. That only made me more determined to accomplish both goals even though it took a bit of wind out of my sails as far as time and energy! The surgery and follow-up treatments went well and I am now healthy and doing well. I’m grateful to the Lord for His hand in my life, my health and giving me more time to accomplish my goals. So, because it worked well for me last year… “Discipline” is my word for this year as well. I have things to finish… many crafty projects, more “stuff” to give away and more weight to lose. I can’t quit now, when I’ve finally learned how!!
Mine is Empathy
Mine is SUBMIT – to the guidance and direction of the Lord. This is my first time choosing a words, too.
I left a comment on Facebook about this, but I will do it here as well. I said my one word would be “decorate”, but, now that I think about it, I guess it would be FOCUS as well. Focus on my apartment and doing the decorating I’ve been putting off! Hugs, De
Happy New Year, Karen! I’ve chosen One Little Word since 2009 (my first word was “focus” too) for 2019, it’s “endeavor”
May all your dreams come true this year 🙂