2019 is already a week old, and I have been thinking about what is ahead, but I don’t have a crystal ball. Many of you started with a resolution that you would change yourself somehow this year. Lose weight, exercise, repair finances, obtain an education, are just a few examples. Some of you have tried, failed, and have given up. Most of you will toss a resolution aside before the end of January. I used to be among you.
I now use “Word for a Year.” A word to motivate and encourage me throughout the year and lead me towards life lessons and growth. It’s amazing how this works.
The end of October I start exploring words that come up a lot in my life, this continues into December. By this time, I have narrowed the list to two to three words. I start praying about them and what the mean, asking the Lord to point to one to be my focus word. When I have skipped this point usually within a couple of weeks, I know I made a mistake and re-visit the step.
This year my word is Focus.
Merriam-Webster provides these definitions:
1 a: a center of activity, attraction, or attention
- b: a point of concentration
2 a: directed attention: emphasis
3 a: DIRECTION, sense
- b: a state or condition permitting clear perception or understanding
- c: adjustment for distinct vision
A little word we use every day, with a lot of meaning. And the perfect word for someone who is putting a lot on her plate and sometimes feels defeated or running around in circles. My biggest challenge this year is not to lose focus. Too often I will say, “I want to do that. It sounds like fun. Or I wish…” adding something that derails me, or leaves me with less time to give attention to my priorities.
I made a short list with my priorities highlighted. Each a part of my life I need to focus on. I added what I need to be aware of when I lose sight of what I am working toward so I can remain focused.
It is not too late for you to chose a word, learn about it and how it can benefit you in 2019.
If you made a resolution and are getting ready to toss it away, you might find your word in the conflict of why you are willing to fail so early in the year. Is failure becoming part of your identity?
Most resolutions look like these examples:
- This is the year I am going to lose weight.
- I need to start exercising.
- …to find a healthy eating plan.
They sound more like wishes than goals.
Have you tried writing your resolution as a S.M.A.R.T. goal? I discovered using S.M.A.R.T. goals increased my success in meeting more goals.
Specific Measurable Achievable Relevant Time-bound
Before writing the goal, consider each of the five points and how they apply to you. You will find numerous worksheets on the internet. Just Google “Smart goal.” You will be able to find one or more that will work for you quickly. Using the worksheet and writing it down provides a timely way to think about what you want to accomplish and how to do it. After you complete the worksheet you are ready to write the goal.
Sometimes I get frustrated with all of the “New Year, New You” hype we find on TV talk shows and the internet. Most of them are like dangling a carrot in front of a horse just enough to get them the step through the gate. Once inside the carrot disappears leaving you wondering what is next.
Most of us enjoy the idea of starting fresh with a blank slate, mainly when the year before was ruff.
It’s not too late to pick one of these methods and explore how they can become a lifelong tool for success. I hope 2019 is a year of new beginnings for you.
