Do you set the same or similar New Years’ Resolutions annually? Do they inspire you and keep you focused for the whole year? Possibly not.
Instead of recycling the same tired resolutions, consider instead choosing just one word.
But without context and full details, how can this work? Beautifully! Because one word has simplicity. It is your focus and theme for the year; guiding your direction, shaping your purpose. And it can be applied to any area of your life.
My word for 2024 is ‘release’. This is mainly about letting go – of clutter that drains my energy, of all the stuff that overwhelms me such as my email! It’s also about releasing limiting beliefs, self sabotage, regrets, blame, past grievances and judgements, making space for deeper connections, compassion and peace of mind.
Do any words come to you as you read this? Examples include calm, focus, kindness, flourish, hope, joy, surrender, action, gratitude, creativity, presence, growth, patience, confidence, connection.
Find a word that really resonates with you, which is meaningful, will call you to positive action and influence your year in a positive way. Make sure there is no resistance to your word and that it is free from the weight of any previous disappointments and self-judgement when goals were not fully achieved in the past, or forgotten by February!
How can you choose your word?
Sometimes your word will be obvious to you – it’s how you want to feel and be, it reflects what will most help you achieve your aims in life. Other times you’ll need to meditate, ask for guidance, do some journaling, review your values or be alert to what keeps showing up for you.
Then live your word. Commit to it wholeheartedly. Reflect on it when decisions are to be made. Place images of your word around your home and office. Keep a journal of your progress, relevant quotes that you like, how this word keeps showing up in your life – which it will!
Please do let me know your word for 2024. And if you have had a word in previous years – what effect has it had?
I love the idea of this, and I’ve really enjoyed the conversations I’ve had with others about the word that we choose. Somehow the simplicity of a single word means it’s become a bit of a meme with family and friends – the ripple effect results of coaching interactions with Jackie !
Hello Katie, thank you for your comment. Lovely to see how much you have enjoyed and embraced this idea, and the ripple effect you have created through sharing it!
I am grateful that you introduced me to this idea 4 years ago Jackie and I have passed it on to others too! My previous words of the year have been, Fruitful, Expansion, and Surrender. My word for 2024 is Magical. Each year my word has become more important to me and I have given it more attention. Focusing on my word is a constant throughout the year. My word is like an anchor or a root, that I come back to. I make notes regularly on my word and ask myself questions like,
What has been a magical moment today? When I see the word magical, it is confirmation to me that I am connected to my intention and it fills me with positive energy.
Thank you for your comment Kim. It’s so interesting to see how you have used this idea and the impact it has had.
And I must thank you for sharing with me in our last conversation that you had kept notes about your word throughout 2023, because it inspired me to set up a journal for my word for 2024. I’ve already written some insights in there, and added quotes and images.
Have a truly magical year Kim.
I really like the idea of choosing one word as a resolution and the word ‘Strong’ came to my mind quite quickly. It’s something I feel will help throughout the coming year when facing making decisions and even helping with anxiety. Thank you Jackie 🙂
Thanks for your reply. Do remind yourself how strong you are when you are feeling anxious – recalling previous things you have coped with can support that. And yes, that’s a good point you make – use your word when you have decisions to make; it can help you choose the best way forward.
I’ve given your one word idea a lot of thought and I’ve found my meaningful word. Thank you for passing on your creative thinking Jackie.
Thank you for taking the time to comment. I hope that your meaningful word will guide you and shape your year ahead.
Would you like to share your word with the rest of the class?