The simplicity of
choosing a single
meaningful word to guide a person for the next 365 days is
powerful. It’s a scientific reality that if you try to change too many things
at once, you will fail. After all, ninety percent of New Year’s resolutions
end in disappointment. The one word process
involves three steps:
“One word frees us of all the weight
and pain in life. That word is love.”(Sophocles)
1.
Think about who you want to be - Instead of
dwelling on your bad habits, ask yourself what kind of person you want to
become. This process shifts your mindset from regret to vision. This task may come
easy to you, or you may need to let it simmer a bit. Ask yourself the following
question. “Is there a one-word quality I
would like to cultivate in my life?”
“Better
than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace.” (Buddha)
2.
Make a list of characteristics
you desire - Once you have a
picture of that person, identify their major characteristics and write them
down using single words. Then take that list and look up each word’s
definition. Your
word might be practical, creative, light-hearted, or laser-focused. Here
are some words to consider:
Active, Awake, Aware, Bold, Clarity, Compassion,
Confident, Courage, Decide, Dynamic, Exercise, Fearless, Flexibility, Flow,
Frugal, Fun, Garden, Gentle, Growth, Healing, Illusory, Intuition, Love,
Manifest, Mechanical, Mindfulness, Minimalist, Moderation, Nourishment,
Passion, Peace, Present, Productivity, Receptivity, Reconciliation, Safe,
Serendipity, Space, Success, Time, Whimsical, and Yield
“When you do something long enough, it becomes part
of who you are. It can be hard, but that’s part of process. Keep your word in
front of you; it will make a difference.” (Stephanie Vozza)
3.
Pick One Word - Using your list, pick the word that
resonates with you most. There’s simplicity and beauty behind this. Recall your word
daily (whether it’s consciously or unconsciously). Let it be your guidepost. At
the same time, there’s no need to obsess on your word. Here are some ways
to bring your word alive:
·
Post
your word in a visible place around your house with a sticky note (or on Facebook).
·
Reflect on what does this
word really means to you.
·
Either
write or create a collage about your word.
“I can give advice to anyone interested in writing in
one word: Read! I think it's much more important to be a reader than to be a
writer.” (Linda Sue Park)
“Valuing differences is what really drives synergy. Do you truly
value the mental, emotional, and psychological differences among people? Or do
you wish everyone would just agree with you so you could all get along? Many
people mistake uniformity for unity. Sameness [is] oneness. [That is just] one
word (boring). Differences should be seen as strengths, not weaknesses. They
add zest to life.” (Stephen Covey)
[i] Sources Used: “How One Word Can Change Your
New Year” by Stephanie Vozza and “One Powerful Word 2012: A
Simple Approach to New Year’s Resolutions”
by
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