How to choose a Word of the Year.
Have you ever heard of choosing One Word for the year? This practice is an incredible way to let go of the pressure of resolutions and focus on one simple thing for the year. If you’re tired of setting resolutions, here’s how to choose a word of the year to guide you through the new year!
“Fresh” was my 2019 Word of the Year.
It was the end of 2013, and I had been through a really hard season. Hormone imbalances had wreaked havoc on my body, and depression had left me feeling drained and joyless. One day while chatting with my Mom, she mentioned something called “One Word,” and how you choose a guiding word instead of creating a list of resolutions. I had never been into “resolutions”, but the thought of choosing a word to help guide me through the new year sounded… exciting.
And I hadn’t felt that excited in awhile.
I plugged in our hotspot and opened up my laptop. A quick google search later, and I was hooked. I began thinking about what word I might choose for the New Year — after all, it was just a few days away! Within a few minutes, the word “LIVE” popped into my head. It was a clear as day, almost like I heard someone say it beside me.
It sounded good, but I wanted to think about it for awhile. Over the next few days, it became abundantly clear that “Live” was my word for the year. Everywhere I went, I began to hear that word. I flipped on the radio and heard songs like Tim McGraw’s “Live Like You Were Dying.” I got on Pinterest and saw quotes about living well. After the year I had just experienced, I really did need to learn how to live again.
Since that first year, I have chosen (been given!) a word every single year. I usually start thinking about it during the last week of December, and I’ll notice the same word starting to show up in my life — over and over again. I truly believe that God leaves clues and breadcrumbs everywhere to help guide us… and choosing a word is such a gift!
“Scale” was my 2018 Word of the Year — I had fun creating this photo!
Do you want to try choosing a word for the new year? (I hope so — It’s so much fun!) Here are some of my best tips!
How to Choose a Word of the Year:
Ask God!
I'm a Jesus-girl, and I usually start my search for a word by asking God. Within a few days, I usually notice a word begin to show up — in the conversations I have, in music I’m listening to, and even when I scroll Pinterest or Instagram. I believe God wants the BEST for us, and that He does miraculous things to show us how much He cares.
Look for Themes.
Do you notice words or themes that keep showing up as you’re thinking about your word? Maybe it’s the same song on the radio, or a phrase you keep saying to your significant other. Take a look at any writing you’ve done recently (even on your Instagram posts!) and write them down.
Ask Yourself Questions:
A few simple questions can help guide your search. Ask yourself things like “What do you want to do more of?” (Like more Creativity!) “What do I want to experience?” Sit down with a journal and take a moment to think about what feelings or vibes you hope to experience! think about something that you consistently think “Man, I wish I could….” or “Man, I wish I had…” and
Look at what you Need:
Do you need more patience? More joy? Finish these simple sentences to give your ideas a head-start: “Gosh, why can’t I ever…” or, “I wish I had/could…” Base the start of your search on something you’d like to see MORE of in your life, and that you would like to work on!
Try this Journaling Practice:
One of my favorite writing practices is called “Stream of Consciousness” journaling. Basically, you dump whatever comes to mind onto a piece of paper! Think about the new year, and then write down whatever comes to your mind. Keep writing as the words flow — and then look for themes or similar words that keep popping up in your writing!
Once you’ve got a good starting point, I’ve three more tips for you:
Make it Positive! If your idea has to do with growth but you’re putting a negative spin on it, you might feel discouraged as the year progresses. Look for a similar, but more positive word!
Use thesaurus.com. I’ve done this so many times to help find the perfect word! Just type in the word you’re thinking about and see if you can find a synonym that suits you better.
Write it down! Find a place to write down your word — maybe in your planner or in your journal — so you’ll see it and be reminded of it. I include my word in my monthly review questions so I can write down if it’s shown up!
“Abundance” was my 2020 Word of the Year.
Looking for more Inspiration? Here are some resources:
➢ Elise’s Podcast: On Having a Guiding Word For the Year
➢ Add your word to One Word 365 and find your Word Buddies!
➢ Ali Edwards has a TON of resources here!
➢ Do a search for “word of the year ideas” on Pinterest!
➢ My entire Word of the Year Series
