Forget Resolutions – Find Your One Word Game Changer
We’ve all done it.
At one time or another, usually around this time of year, we decide to change some things in our life. And we’re serious about it.
So serious that we commit it to paper. We make lists or even step-by-step plans. In addition, we publicly share it with others. And, we make an earnest commitment to change and truly believe we will be victorious.
We have a name for this phenomenon.
It’s called the New Year’s Resolution.
We resolve to make vital changes we think will enhance our life.
According to the Statistic Brain Research Institute,
After only one month, 25% of us drop out. The drop-out rate increases as the months slip by. In fact, they go on to suggest …
That’s millions of New Year’s Resolution drop-outs! And… I am one of them.
So what happens? Why don’t resolutions work?
We start out fully committed, resolute, and all-in. We pledge that this is the year we are going to be successful.
But something goes wrong between our pledge and our performance.
And right around late February, possibly early March, our New Year’s Resolution is nothing but an unspoken thing of the past.
Some of the top reasons resolutions aren’t successful? They’re too big in scope, too vague in detail, or we just have too many of them. Last year I transitioned “too” to “one”.
I read a study on the YouVersion Bible App called One Word That Will Change Your Life (derived from a book of the same name). And it delivered! It provided a game-changing alternative to resolutions.
You simply select one word that you want to focus on for the entire year. Not a phrase, not a statement – one word.
When you begin to do the same old thing you used to, the thing you want to change, your One Word will step into the limelight. Reminding you of your commitment to do things differently.
So how do you get your word?
Start by thinking and praying about your One Word. It may take a while so don’t be discouraged. Last year I settled on my One Word after three weeks of prayer and wrestling! It will come to you. And then it will come to you all year long.
Your One Word can be anything. It might be an area you feel God is calling you to grow in. Or, it might be a fruit of the spirit or a character trait you’d like to improve upon. It could even be an attribute you admire in Jesus or another follower.
Words are powerful. Proverbs 18:21a tells us they are “life and death” powerful. Our words can elevate or deflate others. Likewise, the words we speak to ourselves have the power to impact our hearts and thus our actions.
Last year my One Word was PATIENCE. Something I’m typically in the very short supply of!
Let me share what this past year and my first One Word experience taught me:
My triggers:
I know exactly what triggers my impatience. Slow drivers, slow people, and slow processes. Prior to having my One Word, I thought impatience was just who I was. But the reality is my impatience shows up when my fast pace is slowed down by someone else.
Impatience with myself:
This habit of impatience would also show up when I felt like I didn’t perform as well as I think I could or should have. I wasn’t tapping into the love and grace God wanted to extend to me when I needed it the most.
Awareness of my need to change in this area:
If there is no awareness, there is no change. God used my One Word to reveal I was selfishly imposing my speed and my agenda onto those around me. My impatience was keeping me from extending love and grace towards others when things outside my control slowed me down. He made me acutely aware I was moving way too fast.
Skills needed to undo impatience in my life:
I learned to turn to God in my times of impatience. And isn’t that what He really wants … for us to turn to Him for everything? Had I not been focused on my One Word, I would have missed countless opportunities to commune with God. And countless opportunities to extend love and grace to others. And bonus … I learned that even during my times of perceived failures, He is not at all impatient with me.
Now, have I mastered this? Oh, heck no! But, I know my awareness and growth in this area will continue.
Your One Word has the ability to span across every area of your life. It can impact you spiritually, financially, emotionally, relationally and even physically.
Assigning a One Word theme for the year can speak life and newness into our hearts and mind.
I crossed over this learning into my business life as well. I’ve used it with employees and other leaders who want to develop their skills. I know this works.
I promise you, this is a game changer you can use on your journey and it won’t fizzle out by March!
Download my FREEBIE guide on how to have success with your One Word that includes potential words you might like.
Ponder
What do you want to change this year? What one word could be your theme for the year? Please share in the comments below. FREEBIE: For a free resource from the authors of One Word That Will Change Your Life, go to their site and you will find a free, downloadable Action Plan that you can use and share.
Practice
A Truth: “The ear tests the words it hears just as the mouth distinguishes between foods.” Job:33:1
A Song: Words By Hawk Nelson (click here to listen)
A Read: One Word That Will Change Your Life by Jon Gordan and Dan Britton
A Prayer: God, thank you for the gift of words. For the power they hold. I ask that you put one word on my heart that you want me to focus on this year. Help others reading this to pray and ponder on the word that is best for them. I ask that you use this word to work in our hearts and our lives. To build us up. To grow us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Similar posts on One Word – PAUSE
Here’s where I share many of my posts.
Pam, thank you for your encouraging post. My word for the year is LIGHT. Sometimes I’m so overwhelmed with what I can’t see, that I fail to see the light that the Lord is shining practically in my face . I’m visiting as a neighbor from Coffee For Your Heart.
Hi Kathleen, Great to “meet” you here! So glad you were encouraged. My word this year is REST. I need to simply rest in Him in a more disciplined way. Here’s to RESTING in the LIGHT!
Great summary of how to choose a word for the year! I choose one every year, and love how you reviewed your year in connection to your word! I may do that next year – see how the Lord has ‘stretched’ me – my word this year.
Hi Tammie! Great to see you here. I’m still wrestling with my 2018 word, but hopefully it will be as fruitful as my past words. Reflection at the end of the year is a must for me. Seems to help the learnings really stick. Have a wonderful 2018.
Thanks for sharing this again, Pam. It’s amazing how just one word can have such a big impact. I’m certainly a fan!
Blessings to you in this New Year.
Hi Marva, thanks for stopping by! I just visited you site and read your piece on not sharing your word. I’m sure keeping it animate with God will grow you this year. Let the 2018 journey begin!
Love this and the reminder that I need to repost on the word God gave me in January: Winsome! I love it – though i think of it terms of winning others to Jesus more than being nice at home! ouch! Thanks for this great post! next to you somewhere this morning!
Hi Sue! My word this year is PAUSE. Loved that you’re next to me “somewhere”!
This is such an insightful post Pam! I wrote a post about how I changed to the one word at the the beginning of 2016. It has transformed my thought process immensely and keeps me focused on Christ instead of myself. I am still a work in progress but it is so much easier to remember as I go through each day May God continue to shower you with grace my friend. Blessings to you and yours this holiday weekend!
Thank you, Horace! What’s your word this year? Mine is PAUSE.
i love this idea of one word for a New Year’s Resolution. It make it obtainable and something you can work on for the whole year. My word for this is year is Focus; focusing more on my family and focus on being in the Word more. Thanks for sharing this great post!
Focus – a great word. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed. Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks for sharing this with us at the 100 Happy Days linkup! I’ve always been so intrigued by the idea of One Word. I’ve never actually committed to focusing on one word throughout the year, but your example of learning about patience last year has encouraged me to think about a word to focus on. I also appreciate you saying that it took a while for you to discover your word. I guess I always thought it should just pop into my head! 😉
Have a great Monday & thanks again for sharing with us!
Thanks, Alison for the opportunity to link up! I love visiting lifeofscoop. Try the one word theme. I think you’ll find it extremely beneficial.
Hi Pam, I love this post about One Word and the resources you’ve shared. I’ve had One Word for a few years now and this year my word is ENOUGH. I am slowly learning that God is enough for me as I see my word showing up in so many places! God is faithful that way! Thanks for sharing! #100HappyDaysLinkup
Hi Marva! So glad you stopped by from #100HappyDays. Enough sounds like a great word to focus on. So amazing how this works. Have a great year.
My One Word WAS a game changer for me! I learned so much from that book (I’ve read it 2 or 3 times already and plan to read it again this year!). Last year my word was JOY and I learned SO much! This year my word is prayer because I really need to cultivate a better/deeper prayer life and walk with God. Thank you for sharing about your word!
Rebekah
http://www.moreradiance.com
Prayer is a good one! I often struggle with keeping my prayer life deep. Thanks so much for stopping by!
This is my 5th year with a One Word, and this year’s word is Persevere. Visiting for the first time from #livefreeThursday.
Hi Laura and thanks for stopping by. This will only be my second year. My word is PAUSE. We have a lot of “P” words going on here – LOL.
Our admin team did the name resolution activity today!! What a coincidence! My word for the year was “Purposeful” Rather than having resolutions (activities or goals) I will try to make it a habit toward using purposeful as the lens and standard for how I view day to day activities and live my life. .
That’s a great word! I’ve settled on mine … finally. PAUSE. Last year’s word, PATIENCE, really showed me that the core issue is going too fast. So PAUSE it is!
Pause, patience, purposeful. . we are covering the letter “P”
Yes, we are! And someone else just posted their word is PERSEVERENCE!
Great encouragement Pam! My focus this year is to ENGAGE more. To connect with people face to face, unrushed and to ENGAGE with others through my own writing and reading. Thanks for sharing your word and I enjoyed reading he comments with other peoples’ words too.
You are welcome! I love hearing about everyone’s words as well. I love doing One Word and hope to be doing it forever. Great growth experience. Thanks for stopping by!
I’ve chosen a word for the year before and it really helped me focus on areas of my life that needed input. I think I will pray about a word this year too. Thanks for the reminder 🙂
Glad to be your reminder! Thanks for stopping by, Suzy.
Hi Pam,
Focusing on One Word is a game changer. Funny my word last year was also PATIENCE and God knows I still have a lot of work to do. I’m praying for my new Word but i’m almost sure of what it is. Hope others give it a try.
Hello, my friend! I don’t think I will lose my word from last year. Focusing on it all year has become a habit. God will continue to instantly point out when I need a PATIENCE check. This year, mine might be PAUSE. Still praying and wrestling.
So glad you shared this. Last year God gave me “trust” and I had loads of chances to put it into practice. This year my word is “believe”. As in believe that nothing is impossible with God. Blessings to you!
Trust is such a great one and a practice many, including myself struggle with. I’m sure you will have great success with BELIEVE!
Pam, this is a wonderful example of what can happen when we choose a word and allow it (and God) to change us throughout the year. I loved reading what you learned from your experiences with the word “patience.” It’s so easy just to chalk our weaknesses up to “that’s just how I am” and never allow God to transform us in that area. My word for the year is “satisfied,” and I’ve been amazed at how it’s already influencing my daily life! I’m so glad to be your neighbor today at Coffee for Your Heart.
So great of you to stop by, Lois! I loved, loved, loved ‘one word’. Can’t wait to settle in with my 2016 word.
Pam, I loved this post and how practical you made it! This is my fifth time to focus on one word, and honestly, it’s been life-changing for me. God has shown me aspects of the words that I’d never considered before, and He has a way of showing me how they apply in my life throughout each year. He’s picked different things for me to focus on. Last year, my word was BREATHE. I needed more breathing space in my life, and God showed me how to change my mindset and my heart-set to focus on Him, not be afraid to say no, and to explore what breathing meant for my life. This year, I’ve got a different word. I blogged on my one word too. 🙂
I love how you discovered your triggers for impatience and then worked to not let those triggers control your reaction. Such a great application!
PS—I’m your neighbor over at Holly Barrett’s today! So nice to “meet” you. 🙂
Nice to meet you, Jeanne! I just stopped over at your blog. Love your word for this year. I actually have a post on that as I struggle with it as well. You can check it out here So good to meet you here!
Pam, I love your explanation of having “one word” to define your life. I have been doing the “one word” thing for a few years now and love what God is doing in me through these words. I also make goals too because I want to live my life with intention (my first one word). This year my word is “rest.” I can’t wait for the journey. Thank you, Pam, for sharing your heart at #IntentionalTuesday. : )
My 2016 word might be REST as well! I’m still praying (and wrestling) with it, but REST is a strong possibility. So glad you stopped by, Crystal!
I’ve just learned about people choosing a word for the year and this post explains it more fully than I’ve seen. It is more meaningful and actionable than the typical resolutions. My word for 2016 is: Joy. It’s going to be an awesome year!
I love that word! And it’s something I think we can all struggle with. This world can steal our joy if we aren’t intentional about it. So glad you are giving it a try. Just keep it in the forefront. I put it on the top of my daily “to do” list. That seemed to help me. Blessings and JOY to you in 2016!
I love reading about other people’s word and how they chose them. Have you heard of the book , “My One Word: Change Your Life with Just One Word,” by Mike Ashcraft and Rachel Olsen? That’s the book that started how I choose my word. This year, my word is persevere. I add it to my words grace, glorify, and abide from the previous 3 years because I will always need to do those things as well. Praying God blesses you with His patience through 2016. Joining you from Soul Survival today.
I stopped by your blog. So encouraging to see how many years you have been doing One Word! Last year was my first time, but I’m hooked. Thanks so much for stopping by.
Thanks for sharing you word with us… I did the same on my blog today, too 🙂 ‘Tis the season! I love how we can carry this one word through the year, and how God can use it so powerfully. Happy New Year to you—stopping by from Counting My Blessings.
Yes, tis the season! I’m almost scared to link up that post any more LOL. But, I loved doing One Word last year and am looking forward to this year. Thanks so much for stopping by!
I had “almost” decided not to choose a one-word this year…until I read your post! Now, I’m newly inspired. 🙂 Two years ago I chose my first one-word, which was “Courage”. Focusing on that word made a huge difference that year and I made many positive changes in my life! Last year I chose the word “expectancy” as I was determined to look to God with expectancy as He unveiled His plans for my life. (He did not disappoint!) This year, I’ve been dragging my feet with a word, but now, as it is still January, I am going to revisit this idea. I have a few thoughts already and will pray and see where God leads me. Thanks again for the encouragement!
Blessings, Joan
I’m sure He will lead you to the right word. I’m still working and praying about mine. It’s never too late! So glad you stopped by, Joan!
He already has, Pam! And now that I know what it is, it seems so obvious to me! I’m going to write about it tomorrow on my blog, but I’ll give you a “sneak peak”! I’m choosing the word “live”. I need to get back to doing that…to live fully and embrace what God has planned for me. For too long I’ve been stuck the past and in the loss that I experienced. I think God wants me to move on – not to forget, but to live fully today.
Blessings, Joan
P.S. Discovering my word for 2016 is part of my journey back into blogging. Yesterday I posted my first “real post” in almost a year following my revelation as to why I had stopped. Thank you again for your inspiration!
Hi Pam,
I’m glad that you have explained the choosing of a word so clearly. I have found the one word to be a great benefit and have chosen mine for 2016. I am going to share your post on Facebook. Blessings!
Thank you, Carol! I appreciate the share. Blessings to you in 2016.
Hi Pam, I’ve been challenged by the selection of one word this year…it just hasn’t come to me yet but I’m hopeful. My word for 2014 was Dsicipline and for 2015 it was Slow. I’ve found the practice beneficial and look forward to the word God will reveal.
This is only my second year and I’m still challenged as well. SLOW is on my list also. It came from some learnings from my 2015 word. I love this much better than resolutions!
Hi Pam, I like the idea of having one word to focus on…”transform” is my word for 2016! I got the inspiration for it from Romans 12:2…”be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Thanks for your inspiring post! Happy New Year! God bless, Julie. ♡
I love it, Julie! Blessings to you in 2016. May it be a transformative year. 😉
Hi Pam I am so glad that we have had a chance to get acquainted through posts. I just wanted you to know that I really enjoy your posts and want to nominate you for the Liebster Award. You can find the nomination here at the bottom of the post. http://youresewtrendy.blogspot.com/2016/01/what-honor-liebster-award.html
Oh my goodness, Jaime. What a surprise and honor. Thank you! I just read about it and like you, I had not heard about this award. But it sounds like a wonderful way to spread the Word and to create community with other like-minded bloggers. I only launched my blog in late November, so I’m very grateful for this nomination so early in my blogging life. I can’t thank you enough for your support and encouragement!.
Great post, Pam! Thank you so much for sharing! Happy New Year and GOD bless you, Love! 🙂
Thank you, Tai! I’m enjoying linking up with so many great bloggers. Blessings to you in 2016 and beyond! 🙂
Worth trying to find a word for 2016. Thanx.
God bless.
My first visit to your site Pam via FaithnFriends. Boy have I been missing out! Love this post. I have always been a “resolution/goals guy coming from a sales/mktg background. I have been introduced to the one word thing over the past month and I really like the premise. I can so relate to your word from last year.. I struggle with patience repeatedly. I have some words bouncing around in my head andI think I am getting close. Thanks for sharing such a thought provoking post. Blessings to you and yours in 2016!
Hello Horace. Thank you for stopping by and for the kind words about the blog! I just checked out yours and was very impressed. By the way … we are using the same theme. Great minds LOL. I will be reading more on your site. What an incredible testimony you share. God is so faithful. How beautiful that you have allowed him to take your trials and turn them into triumphs!
I like “one word” much better than resolutions! Of course, it does take a different kind of focus, doesn’t it? Maybe that’s why it works better.
I agree! I actually made progress this past year with my first one word experience. Thanks for stopping by, Angie!
YES! I love this practice. Last year my one word was “anchor”. This year I’m being led towards “brave”. And I love the way you structure your posts! A song and a prayer and questions to ponder ♥ Just lovely! Glad to have popped over from Holley’s site today!
Heather, so glad you stopped by! I love Holly’s site. And, I appreciate the kind words about my posts. It’s a work in progress! I love your words, especially BRAVE. I could use a little of that at times.
Love your post. This year, my word is, “sink.” Sounds like a funny one, but it’s based on:
Matthew 6:4-5 “Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.”
So, this year, I’m sinking more and more into who God created me to be!
Have a blessed New Year!
I love it!! What a great word. It has the potential to span so many areas in your life. Blessings to you in 2016!
Thank you for this post! The one word trend has caught my attention but I’ve never explored it in detail so this was really helpful. I’m praying about my one word and think I may go that direction this year. I’m curious though, what is your new word? 🙂
Hi Katie. So glad you stopped by! I think you will be surprised at how effective one word is. As long as you maintain focus on your word, you WILL grow in that area.
So … right now I’m wrestling between “slow” (or rest) and singular. Last year’s word really brought to light I’m doing way too much multi-tasking in my head. Meaning, I’m jumping from one thought to another. Slowing down will likely help me across all areas of my life. Singular because I want to be in the moment, singularly thinking instead of flitting all around. I feel I haven’t been giving myself enough time to really ponder and reflect on things as much as I used to. That’s keeping me from being effective in every area of my life – career, parenting, friendships, dating – EVERYTHING! As I write this I think perhaps “slow” needs to come first so I might land there.
All the best to you with your one word. Have you decided what yours will be? You can always ask a trusted friend or colleague for some input. Happy 2016!
What a great post. I already felt God leading me to Read my Bible and Pray so my two words are Bible and Pray. 🙂
Excellent!! Both are critical components of growing in trust and faith.
Great Post and so much truth here! For me I like to keep my resolutions very simple and ask God for the things that I know he’s desiring for me to grow in. So this year resolution is all about loving God more and others more 🙂
You have a great blog here will be following Girly!!!
Aw, thank you so much, Ikeashia! So glad you stopped by.
Love your post! Great resources! My OneWord365 last year was “trusting” and this year my word is “grace”….many New Years blessings to you ❤️
Hi Beth, thanks so much for stopping by. Two great words. I have several friends who picked “Trust” last year and had great results. “Grace” is another great one. I often struggle to comprehend the depth of His grace. Happy 2016!
Thank you for this offering of grace and peace. I’m pondering a question this year, rather than a single word, but the end result will be – I trust – the same: a heightened awareness of God working in and through me and my circumstances in the new year! Blessings to you for 2016!
Trusting Him is something we have to be so intentional about as the struggles, and even day-to-day, of this world compete with our hearts. I think it’s a great theme. Blessings to you in 2016!
Pam, I enjoyed reading about your journey with your one word. I have been doing the same the last few years & it has made such a difference in my life. Last year my word was “believe”. I noticed my word for 2016 began to show up mid month this year 🙂 and am excited to see what the new journey will bring. May you have a blessed New Year!
Blessings,
Joanne
PS – I think this is my first time here so “nice to meet you” 🙂
I think my word for 2016 is RESTORE. I’ve been pondering and praying over this for nearly a week already and just yesterday evening began to feel like this is the one God is leading me toward. I don’t want to rush it, so I won’t fully commit for a few more days. Thanks for these great resources!
Hi Liz, thank you for stopping by! I think restore is a great word. I’m still wrestling with mine – I have so many areas I could focus on!! I have two in mind so I’m getting close. Hope you have a 2016 that includes a lot of restoration!
I’m glad I found your post at Mondays @ Soul Survival. I started doing this last year (though I end up choosing two words that go together instead of one). This year my words are ‘focus’ and ‘purpose’. I know that I struggle with fully focusing on the task at hand. I’m rather easily distracted. I also often do things without even thinking about their purpose and if that purpose is useful. So, this year I will be working on focus and purpose. I would love for you to come check out my corner of the blogosphere fearfultofearlessblog.com
Hi Heather. Thanks for stopping by! I don’t think I can handle more than one word at a time LOL. Great to connect through #SoulSurvival. I just checked out your blog. I so remember tea parties but that was many years ago. My daughter is 22 now! Blessings to you in 2016.
Pam
An awesome post. This past year my Word was Intentional – in all things – including my faith. I am still praying for this year’s word. I have heard somethings but they are not clear yet. I will do what you said – continue to pray.
Blessings,
Janis
Pam, thanks so much for sharing the background of this “one word” idea and for including the links. I’ve chosen a word for the past couple years, and I’m still thinking about 2016’s word.
I’ve emailed the link to your post and the other links to my ladies prayer group members. I especially appreciate how you’ve shared how this has affected you personally and led to growth.
your neighbor at Word of God Speak
Hi Constance, so great of you to drop by. I love Word of God Speak! Thank you so much for sharing the link. I appreciate the support. I’m also still praying about my “one word” for 2016. I think I’m close!! Blessings to you in 2016!
I remember selecting a specific word, a hope, a wish long ago before the “One Word for the Year” became such an inspiring practice to participate in. But I didn’t always apply the word in the daily journey like I have learned to employ in the most recent years. I have been praying about what He wants me to focus on this year. Most of the time it involves a little wrestling because I tend to be a little hard-headed and and want to make sure I heard correctly. In the last few years it was always a word that would hold me steady when the days of that year opened before me. I can see how He prepared me for what was ahead. I am so thankful for HIS grace and providence. He is always good. I still don’t have my ‘word’, though I am pretty sure I know it. Thanks for the link to the free resource and for the encouragement to keep pressing in to His will for 2016.
Blessings,
Dawn
Great to see you here, Dawn! I’m definitely still praying and wrestling with my 2016 word as well. I think my 2015 word brought some things to light that might be good for this upcoming year. Blessing to you in your 2016 journey!
Yes, I have been doing this for a number of years. Some years I am intentional but others not so. 2015 was exceptionally lovely as God really grew me in my word — “expectant” — as I wanted to expect God at every turn, with each step, and He has been faithful as, of course, He would be. I have learned a lot more about God in that I can know that He is right with me, walking with me through it all.
I am praying about my 2016 word now.
Thank you for sharing. There is a website called “OneWord365” that shares many possible word choices, also a blog and sign-up to one’s word.
May we each grow more and more in our Lord.
Caring through Christ, ~ linda
Thank you, Linda for sharing another resource for One Word. I’m still working on my 2016 word as well. Blessings to you in 2016!
Thanks. May your 2016 be filled with His peace.
Thank you for sharing this Pamela! I actually picked a word…trust, last year, but I didn’t follow through with being intentional in pursuing it. In fact I completely forgot about my one word until just now when I read your blog. Thank you for your reminder. I’ll be praying to see if God wants me to follow through this year with the word trust or if He wants to lead me somewhere else.
Hi Christy. I loved doing “One Word” this year. Some tricks to help keep it in the forefront that you might want to try: Put it on sticky notes where you will see it. Add it to the top of every “to-do” list you make. Share it with others. Ask others to do it with you. Download the free Action Plan on their site (link in the blog). Wishing you success in 2016!