A New Path to a New You

Are you among the estimated 64 percent of people who have abandoned their New Year’s resolutions after only one month?

Instead of making a resolution, why not pick a Word of the Year?

It’s not too late — we’re only one month into the year. So instead of kicking yourself for not keeping your resolution (again), pick a word that will guide you throughout the year. It’s actually a forgiving method and one that you’re liable to keep (and perhaps see changes by year’s end). Here’s what we mean — let’s say your word is patience. And you’ve done pretty good with it, but one day, you’re tired, you’re hungry, you only have 15 minutes to pick up lunch and get back to the office and that Chick-fil-A line just isn’t moving as fast as it usually does. And you find yourself being anything but patient when you finally get your food.

That’s okay. 

Just because you were impatient doesn’t mean your Word of the Year experiment is over. You’ll have plenty of other opportunities to exercise patience in the coming days and months. And by the end of the year, when you again find yourself short on time in a line that is barely inching along, patience might come a little easier. 

Picking a Word of the Year

So how do you go about picking a Word of the Year? Much like you do with any project — by making a list. Write down five (or 10) words that reflect how you envision yourself this year or maybe how you think your life could be improved. Look over the list from time to time over the next few days and gradually weed out the words that don’t seem to resonate with you or support where you want to be at the end of the year. Don’t over-analyze — this is a more of a “I feel it in my gut” process. And don’t go with what you think you “should” select. Rather, go with the word you think you can commit to. That word you should select might be the one that feels right next year.

Now What?

After you’ve narrowed your choice to a single word, write it down in several places. Put it in your calendar. Write it where you can see it on your desk. Make it your screensaver on your phone or computer. Frame it and put it on your nightstand. You’re going to get busy, so these gentle reminders will keep you in line.

And then create opportunities to put the word in practice. Is your word calm? Download a meditation app and devote at least a couple minutes every day to meditation. Laughter? Make a date to watch a favorite comedian on YouTube two to three times a week. Strength? Take it literally and start lifting weights. You can even do crossword puzzles or play strategy games to strengthen your mind.

If you’re still keeping your New Year’s resolution, congratulations! If not, then consider trying out a Word of the Year!