One Word 2021

If you are like more than 50 percent of Americans, you started the new year by making a list of resolutions, or things that you wanted to change or improve on in 2021. Did you know that less than 8 percent actually achieve their goal? Why is that? Why is it so hard to change the way we live or the way we do things? Maybe resolutions aren’t successful because we try to do too much. Maybe it is better to keep things simple.

Several years ago, I came across the concept of choosing one word for the year rather than resolutions. This concept seems so simple, but it is a very powerful process. I have written before about the power of our words and this is just another example of how one word can make a huge impact on your life and the life of those around you.

So how do you come up with just one word? That’s the hard part. Start by looking inward. What are areas of your life that you would like to improve on? Your word can be a noun (something you want to be), a verb (something you want to do) or an adjective (something you want to describe yourself).

Here are words I’ve used in the past: Time (2020); Connect (2019); Present (2018); Grow (2017); Focus (2016).

My word for 2021 is GRATITUDE. I have always been someone who feels thankful for the blessings that I have in my life, the work that others do and the positive impact others have had on me. One of my biggest weaknesses though is the fact that I don’t share that thankfulness as often as I should. I might feel grateful, but I need to do a better job at sharing my gratitude. This year, I want to take time to let others know that I appreciate them, their work and their impact in my life. My one word is all about showing others the way I feel. Maybe I can send more positive notes to co-workers, send a text of thanks to friends or say a simple “thank you” to a family member. I know how much it means to me when someone shares their appreciation or gratitude, so I need to do a better job at sharing mine!

I encourage you to pick one word and make it your theme for the year. Take time to reflect and think about how you want to improve. Choose your word carefully because it can have a major impact on your life this year. After you pick your word, make sure to keep it handy. Write it on a piece of paper that you will look at each and every day. Make it your screen saver at work. Do whatever you need to do to keep your word fresh in your mind throughout the year.

If you need more help coming up with your word, check out one or all of these resources:

• http://getoneword.com/
• http://myoneword.org/
• http://oneword365.com/
• Follow #OneWord2021 on Twitter