The New Year is a season of hope, fresh beginnings, and the promise of growth. For so many of us, it’s also a time to set resolutions—big goals that spark our ambition. Yet, the reality of resolutions is sobering! Statistics show that while many Americans make New Year’s resolutions, most abandon them by the end of January. It’s a cycle that often leaves us feeling disheartened and frustrated.
That’s why discovering Jon Gordon’s One Word concept has been a revelation for me. Instead of crafting a lengthy list of resolutions that fizzle out, I’ve embraced a simpler, more meaningful approach: choosing One Word as my focus for the year. Inspired by the book One Word That Will Change Your Life by Jon Gordon, Dan Britton, and Jimmy Page, this practice has shifted my perspective and helped me zero in on what truly matters.
One Word by Jon Gordon
The beauty of the One Word concept is its profound simplicity. There’s no overwhelming to-do list, just one guiding word that becomes your theme for the year. The process starts with quiet reflection—asking yourself what you need, what’s missing, and what matters most. From there, you look outward, staying open to inspiration, whether it comes from a song lyric, a conversation, or a passage in a book. It’s amazing how the right word seems to find you when you’re ready.
At first, I felt pressure to find my word quickly. But Jon Gordon encourages patience—it may take time, and that’s okay. That gentle reminder gave me the space to let my word come to me naturally.
For me, it started with a morning walk and a heartfelt conversation with my husband about being more intentional with our time together. Later, I opened up to a friend about feeling disconnected from my church community after a recent move, and I heard myself saying, “I suppose I need to be more intentional.” It was the second time that week the word surfaced, and it resonated deeply. Then, while talking about picking up tennis as a hobby, a friend echoed the word, encouraging me to “stay intentional” and just start. In that moment, everything clicked.
My word for 2025 is Intentional. It feels like a guiding light, reminding me to approach each day with purpose—whether it’s nurturing relationships, engaging with my faith community, or even trying something new like tennis.
The journey of living with my One Word has already begun, and I can’t wait to see how it shapes the year ahead. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to step into the New Year, I encourage you to give the One Word approach a try. It’s a simple practice, but its impact can truly be life changing.
Have you embarked on the One Word journey before? How did it unfold for you? What’s your Word for the Year? Are you intrigued and ready to give it a shot? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Share them in the comments below, and let’s continue this journey together.
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