New Year’s Day hits me with a double whammy. Not only is it the beginning of a fresh year, but it’s also the day I was born. So, in 2018 I have decided there will be NO resolutions. Instead I am going to choose a single word to guide me.

Statistics differ, but it is estimated that only 8% of folks end up keeping New Year’s resolutions. You know what that means? About 90% of us will begin 2018 with big fat failure. Yikes!

Have you heard about a  revolutionary concept, by authors Mike Ashcraft and Rachel Olsen, called MY ONE WORD? Here’s what they have to say:

“It’s okay to want to be a better you, and the New Year is a natural time to start. The question is how? MY ONE WORD replaces broken promises with a vision for real change. When you choose a single word, you have a clarity and focus. You are moving toward the future rather than swearing off the past.”      … Mike Ashcraft and Rachel Olsen

We all know resolutions can be self-defeating. Ashcraft and Olsen emphasize choosing:

“One word you can focus on every day, all year long… One word that sums up who you want to be or how you want to live. It will take intentionality and commitment, but if you let it, your one word will shape not only your year, but also you. It will become the compass that directs your decisions and guides your steps.”

Ashcraft and Olsen advise picking a word by taking these steps:

• Decide what kind of person you want to be at the end of 2018.
• Visualize the person you want to become. What qualities do they have?
• Resist the temptation to list too many words/characteristics. Commit to just ONE WORD.

I put together a list of words for you to ponder: (Remember pick just one):

Decisive, Forgiving, Assertive, Content, Patient, Accepting, Uplift, Positive, Dream, Grateful, Seek, Declutter, Relax, Abide, Fearless, Disciplined, Balance, Persevere, Pray, Stretch, Surrender, Slow, Connect, Believe, Vigilant, Accept, Intentional, Delight, Pause, Honor, Bold, Courage, Embrace, Sincere, Share, Grace, Focus, Vision, Trust, Laugh, Grow, Wisdom, Patience, Truth, Frugal, Streamline, Conscious, Aware, Generous, Kind, Thoughtful, Technical, Relent, Repent, Rejoice, Explore, Resist, Search, Rest, Sublime, Seek, Express, Curious, Stop, Pause, Consider, Aware, Empathetic, Move, Peace, Faithful, Love, Kindness, Observe, Look, Read, Considerate, Meditate, Joyful, Believe, Bold. Positive, Release, Listen, Purpose, Healthy, Trust, Think, Listen, Release, Act, Enough…

“OUR RESOLUTIONS TO CHANGE SELDOM WORK BECAUSE THEY CENTER ON THE TYPE OF PERSON WE REGRET BEING RATHER THAN ON WHO IT IS GOD IS CALLING US TO BECOME. WE NEED VISION, NOT REGRET.” …Mike Ashcraft

With just a single word, you can take the pressure off yourself. What will your ONE WORD be this year?

I’m going to reveal mine next week!

For more information about MY ONE WORD, click here: