One Word for 2021

New Year’s resolutions end almost as quickly as they begin. We all feel disappointed in ourselves over the last year, so we come up with lofty goals of what we want to do in the coming year. These range from working out more, to eating healthy, to spending more time with family. These goals all sound great, but for some reason, they are difficult to follow through on for the entire year. If you are lucky you can last for a month or two. Jon Gordon, Dan Britton, and Jimmy Page wrote a book called, One Word. Because New Year’s resolutions are hard to keep, they encourage finding One Word instead. Instead of trying to keep unspecific goals, you choose one word to live into. They break it down into a 3-step process:

1. Look inward: take time to be silent and unplug. Ask yourself three questions: What do I need? What’s in my way? What needs to go?
2. Look upward: pray and ask God, “What do you want to do in me and through me?”
3. Look outward: How will you be reminded of your word throughout the year? Who can do One Word with you?

To download the action plan go to http://getoneword.com/

After you click on the link there should be a button to hit that says, “Free Action Plan.”

You take time to see what you need in your life, pray to God about what is on your heart, and see what you can do for others in 2021.

My word for 2018 was STAND. I wanted to better stand up for myself and stand for what I believe in. I found myself easily swayed and pushed around in the past, so I chose to Stand during 2018. In 2019 my word was HOPE. I needed to keep hope through tough ups and downs this year. In 2020 my word was INTENTIONAL. I needed to be more effective with my time, more present with others, and take action towards long-term goals of mine.

I find much more success by choosing one word instead of making a resolution. Instead of feeling the pressure to meet a lofty guideline during the year, I choose to live into one word. I’ve seen the power of one word change my life and my friends’ lives.

Choosing one word helps take the focus from things you are trying to do to the person you want to be. Instead of wanting to work out every day, you want to live into Joy. You want to be OPTIMISTIC or LOVE better. Your word can drastically shape the way you live your life every day.

I don’t know what my word for 2021 will be, but I want you to join me. Take the time to find the word that speaks to you. It is better to take an extra week or two to find your word than to rush to have it ready on January 1st.

Make 2021 your year and put 2020 in the rearview mirror. Be the person you want to be. Find your word.

I appreciate you.

-JP