Friday, December 28, 2012

No More New Year's Resolutions!


The new year is fast approaching and the time has come when people choose their New Year's Resolutions. But I've found that a list of goals becomes overwhelming and by the end of January I'm discouraged and done with resolutions so I don't set goals instead I pick a Word of the Year. I have loved the benefit doing this has brought to my life! Three years ago my word was rejuvenate, two years ago grateful, and this year it was anchored.

To make the Word of the Year work best choose a verb—an action word—and then constantly remind yourself of your Word of the Year. For example, when I chose rejuvenate, I let the word underscore everything I did. If I was cleaning house, I’d think about rejuvenating it—doing it better and/or more effectively than ever before. If I was studying, I’d think about rejuvenating my studies—having more enthusiasm and excitement in my study. If I was with friends, I’d think about rejuvenating my friendship—not taking friendship for granted but cherishing it and giving more to it. Instead of feeling like something extra or burdensome to do (like a goal often seems), a word resolution simply enhances and invigorates everything I am already doing. In this way I help the natural process of letting the Spirit renew and guide me day by day without getting discouraged or being tempted to give up. I love it!

I'll share my 2013 Word in a day or two (It won't surprise any of you who have been following Good News! for long.) but in the meantime, what words are you thinking about? And what experiences did you have last year with your 2012 Word of the Year?

(Just for fun leave a comment and guess my 2012 Word.)

2 comments:

Wendi said...

Decide has been my word this year and I'm thankful for all the habits I've decided to form this year. I'm thinking that focus will be my word for this coming year. For example, I want to focus on de-cluttering and memorizing more songs on the piano. I also want to focus on living in the present, instead of regretting the past or worrying so much about the future. And I want to continue to focus on working on one thing at a time, so that I don't get overwhelmed. I was stopped behind a Ford Focus earlier this month and I think that was the confirmation I needed to use that as my word for next year. :)

I imagine that your word will have something to do with Living in Truth... or perhaps something to do with salt. ;)

Sherrie Mills Johnson said...

Wendy, You pegged it. My word is Salted! Enjoy staying focused!