It’s the start of new year! Every January, millions set New Year’s resolutions, only to abandon them by February. Research shows that 80% of resolutions fail, often because they’re too vague, too big, rely on fleeting motivation, or focus on all-or-nothing success.
While we have shared much information on setting SMART goals before, we’d like to share a different direction you might consider taking this year. Instead of setting resolutions, why not choose a single word to guide your year?
A guiding word serves as a flexible compass for your decisions and actions. Unlike resolutions, it encourages consistent growth and allows for adaptability as circumstances change. It’s simple, memorable, and rooted in your values.
Why One Word Works
Setting a single word for the year shifts your focus from rigid goals to an overarching theme that encourages growth. A word can be applied to different areas of life beyond health and fitness, allowing flexibility. A word also acts as a compass, gently guiding your decisions and actions without the pressure of “success” or “failure.”
How to Choose Your Word
- Reflect on Last Year: What worked? What didn’t? What lessons did you learn? Think about areas of your life where you’d like to grow or improve.
- Define Your Values: What matters most—health, fitness, growth, relationships, balance, etc.?
- Think of a Feeling: How do you want to approach life this year? Do you want to feel strong, calm, adventurous, or perhaps more focused? Your word can embody an emotional or state of being.
- Brainstorm and Narrow it Down: Write down a list of potential words and see which one resonates most. Examples might include:
◦ Balance – prioritize work-life harmony
◦ Focus – eliminate distractions and hone in on what matters
◦ Strength – build resilience, physically and mentally
◦ Growth – embrace learning and self-improvement
◦ Joy – seek happiness and positivity in the everyday
Once you choose your word, integrate it into your daily life. Write it in your journal, use it as a mantra, or display it somewhere visible.
This year, consider moving away from rigid resolutions if they haven’t worked for you in the past, and embrace the simplicity of one word. Let it inspire intentionality and growth throughout your journey.
What will your word be?
~ Coach MJ