Every January many set out to make real, positive changes in their lives by creating a set of goals or a list of New Year’s resolutions. Two weeks in, everything is running smoothly, but by the first week of February most resolutions fizzle out and result in disappointment. In fact, according to the University of Scranton, only eight percent of people achieve their resolutions.
Instead of focusing on endless goals and resolutions in 2016, find one word to be your focus for the year. The one word concept is simple and a welcome change of pace. You don’t need more willpower, a new diet or a support system to make the changes you desire as much as you need continued focus over time.
“My One Word” by Mike Ashcraft | MyOneWord.org
The one word concept should end up impacting all six dimensions of your life — mental, physical, emotional, relational, spiritual and financial. So how do you choose your one word? The book, “My One Word,” written by Mike Ashcraft, walks you through a three-step process to help you reflect on who you want to become in the coming year and how to choose a word. Here is a sneak peek of the process:
Step 1: Determine the Kind of Person You Want to Become
At the end of 2016, who do you want to be? Sure, being healthier is at the top of the list, but dig a little deeper beyond the surface into your soul.
Step 2: Identify the Characteristics of that Person
Now that you know what kind of person you want to become, start listing out the qualities that make up that person. Does the kind of person you want to become practice patience? Are they intentional?
Step 3: Pick a Word
Once you have your list of characteristics, pick one word off the list. Yes, just one. You’re probably thinking, “There are 10 words on the list. I can’t choose one,” but don’t over commit. By choosing the one you want to work on the most, this will allow you to see the changes you need to make and be able to determine whether real change is actually happening.
Just like any New Year’s resolutions, your one word may feel unnatural at first. Give it time and remember the reason you wanted to change. Maybe it’s because this characteristic is not present in your day-to-day life and you want it to be. Or maybe it’s because you wanted to be a better role model for your children. Whatever the reason, stick it out and take it one day at a time. Plus, focusing on one word should end up being easier than concentrating on 10 goals at one time.
This article appears in the November 2015 issue of SpaceCoast Living.
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