One Word – many benefits for the new year!

Were you able to keep last year’s resolutions? Also, now that we are a few days into this new year, how are you doing on this year’s resolutions? We don’t want you to be discouraged if you made resolutions last year and you didn’t achieve them. You’re not alone. Over half of Americans make resolutions for a new year but research shows that only 8% remain committed through to the year’s end. Also, at the beginning of the year, when a resolution is fresh, how long do you think it takes for people to forget about doing it? Often it takes only a few days and the commitment to the resolution is broken. So, if you can keep your resolution for at least a month, you have a greater chance of keeping your resolution throughout the whole year.

Last year we resolved to get to bed earlier. In case you wonder how we did on keeping that resolution – well, we didn’t do such a good job! We must admit that it didn’t take long for us to begin staying up late. Apparently, it wasn’t important enough to us.

Here are methods people have used with some success to make and keep resolutions. Write down clear, measureable goals that are important to you. Write down why you want to achieve them and have that visible as a constant reminder of your commitment. An accountability partner such as a friend or mentor can help you keep going and stay motivated when you feel like giving up.

We came across another method that we are going to use this year. This method is different and may be more effective. It incorporates the strategies above but focuses on just One Word. We both read the book, One Word That Will Change Your Life, by Jon Gordon, Dan Britton and Jimmy Page. We were impressed with the positive impact it had not only with individuals, couples and families but also with schools, businesses and sports teams.

The power of this method is in its simplicity. Basically, it involves picking One Word that you use all year long as a guide for how you live your life. It’s not just a focus for what you want to do, but also for your thoughts, behavior and who you want to become. The book says, “Each year resolutions are rarely kept and goals forgotten but One Word sticks. By living a single word that embodies the essence of your life at this moment, you’ll find renewed purpose and meaning throughout the year.” The power of One Word gets carried through in all areas of your life. The strategy of focusing on One Word for one year cuts through confusion and gives clarity.

I (Doug) chose the word Bold because I realize that the “comfort zone” is not my friend. I want to take more risks without worrying about whether I will look or sound foolish. Being Bold helps push through fear. I recently heard a phrase that resonated with me. It is, “Everything you want is on the other side of fear.” I look forward to what will happen when I focus on being Bold in all the important areas of my life.

My (Lynn) One Word is Stretch. Stretch will help me grow and it’s not just about physical training. I can Stretch by getting out of my comfort zone to develop in many areas of what I do and who I want to become. Edgar Magnin said, “You are the only one who can stretch your own horizons.” Maybe Stretch is not so different from Doug’s choice of Bold. We both want to grow and we’re sure that will include some Bold Stretches.

When we asked family members what One Word is their word for the coming year, Humility and Kindness were shared. What about you? What One Word would you want to focus on for the next year?

Here are some ideas: You may want to skip New Year’s resolutions and pick One Word that’s meaningful to you. Take time to unplug from the busyness of life and spend some time in silence to discover what One Word comes to you. Think about how you can incorporate that One Word in all the areas of your life. It can help you throughout the year to stay motivated. We would love to hear what One Word you chose and how you came to choose it. We believe focusing on your One Word will bring many benefits for your life in the new year!

Chanhassen residents Doug and Lynn Nodland are Success Coaches and owners of The Balance Center. They can be contacted at WeCare@SharingLifesLessons.com

© Doug and Lynn Nodland 2018 Articles and videos may be shared in their entirety with attribution.