On Choosing Your One Word
Do you have your One Word for 2013?
Maybe a word has already risen to the surface for you. Or perhaps you have a list of possibilities and aren’t sure which to choose. Or maybe you haven’t even begun to think about it yet.
Wherever you are in the process, here are some helpful things to consider when choosing your One Word:
Focus on being rather than doing. Different than resolutions, your One Word isn’t a constant reminder of what you “should be doing”. Instead, it stands to inspire how you want to live. Think about who you want to be, and choose a word that will help you become that.
Be authentic. Your word should reflect YOU, and no one else. It’s easy to listen to others’ words and then pick one that sounds good. But you want a word that’s uniquely yours. One that resonates with you on a deep level (in a way that others can’t fully understand, even if they have the same word).
Don’t overthink it. It’s not rocket science, and there’s no wrong answer. Don’t analyze it to death! It’s not about whittling down a long list of potential words; it’s about identifying the word that keeps coming back to nag at your heart. Someone commented on our last post, “I will watch for the next 10 days (till the end of the year), and I will use the word that I see and recognize the most.” Such a brilliant idea for choosing! Stop the hamster wheel in your mind long enough to listen for your word.
Your One Word is intended to be your guide, not your harsh standard. It’s not about doing more, but about being who you were created to be. Don’t miss the freedom in that!
One-Worder Becca Obergefell wrote a post with some other great ideas for finding your One Word:
http://beccaobergefell.com/reflection/one-word-resolution-tips/1029/
Thank you so much for sharing my link! I’ve enjoyed participating in the One Word resolutions and am happy to share my journey and resources.
So appreciate you, Becca!
God clearly showed me my One Word for 2013. It wasn’t a word I’d thought of, but He was quite clear that this was the word. :) I’ll be writing about it soon. God bless!
Can’t wait to hear!
COUNT ME IN! I love how you wrote it’s not about doing more, but about being who you were created to be. I have found my word and can’t wait to share it in a future post.
Awesome, Delonna!
I know you did this last year Alece, I thought what a great idea. Then I raced on with life.Well I picked a word for me (well God did) this year . So I’m in.
That’s awesome to hear, John!
After some searching/asking/trying to wait patiently, I have my One Word for 2013. Yay! I’m looking forward to doing this more fully in 2013 (if that makes sense).
so exciting, michelle!
This sound fun and really cool to think about choosing one word & dedicate it to 2013… I can think of a few~ can’t wait :)
look forward to hearing what you land on!
My word chose me on December 16 – breakthrough! I can’t wait to see what 2013 brings :)
powerful!
Now into a fourth year of One Word. The first three: God, worship, joy. The fourth one picked me too–service (and variations of it). At first, I wanted to avoid it and tried to pick a different word, but these past couple of weeks, God has shown me what it feels like to serve from the heart (and not from an imposed obligation), and it feels beautiful.
wow, courtney! i love that!
My blog post on my 2012 One Word. It really did do all the things Alece said it would. God used it in amazing ways in my life. Almost settled on my Word for 2013. http://bit.ly/V87s7M
Loved your recap post, Tammy!
Counting down to link up! Thank you for this opportunity, community and springboard for One Word inspiration!
Yay! Have you linked up yet? http://oneword365.com/community/
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My word has always been Joy but I’ve been feeling God stir in me a lot recently to move more than I have been in the recent past…so this year’s word is Alive. Looking forward to officially joining in on One Word this year!
I love love LOVE your word.
My one-word surprised me for 2013… then I was excited. Then, I was very trepidatious because what looks like “fun” on the outside can be hard when you are in the middle of situations that challenge it.
I might have even talked the husband into working on one word as a couple… such fun.
And I love that you do this community each year :)
So… did you talk John into it?! ;)
Still working on talking John into it… but I have managed to talk 2 of my co-workers into it :) yay!
And thank you for always helping me spread the word about this online. You are a wonderful cheerleader and advocate, my friend.
Doing this for the first time instead of a large list of goals like I usually do. Excited to see what God teaches me through this :)
Me too!
This is my first year to do this, and I got my word almost immediately after reading about this. I am really excited because I feel like it’s directly from the Lord for me – passion… I am excited to see what He will do in me and through me in 2013!
Love that, Chandra!
I am going to join in this year after hearing more about it this fall. Not sure what word yet but love your advise and thoughts on this…not something I “should be doing” but instead what is God speaking to my heart.
Look forward to hearing your word, Libby!
Hi,
I did this for 2012 & my word was COMMIT which I’ve tried to do & through doing this I’ve started in September full time to Bible College at the age of 40 by doing a Diploma in Theology through committing every area of my life it’s an amazing journey God is taking me places that I would never have dreamed of… To God be the Glory!!
WOW! This was so amazing to hear!!!!
So I’m pondering & seeking direction what my word will be for 2013 x
Did you discover your word, Louise?
Count me in. Praying!
Awesome, Sheryl!
I thought I had a word ready, but I’m second guessing it. It just doesn’t feel right. Back to the drawing board.
Did you land on your word, Lisa?
Thank you so much for this inspiration. I just discovered you so will be pondering my word all day tomorrow. I also appreciated your “don’t over-think” it caveat. Very grateful!
So glad to hear that, Anne!
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Although I have heard of one word for at least a couple years now, 2013 will be my first year of joining in. I plan to write a bit about my word to kick off the new year tomorrow!
YAY!
My lovely and wise wife told me about this site last year and she stuck to it faithfully and is renewing her commitment this year. This has inspired me to join in. My word for this year has been resounding in my mind for months and has filtered into my teaching, too. The word is: GLORY!
Love that you and your wife are doing this together!
My one word is content. After a year of unbearable grief, I no longer search for happiness but contentment. How do I link to my blog?
beautiful word born out of pain, karen. i really look forward to following your journey this year. add your blog post about “content” to the link-up on the community page: http://oneword365.com/community/
Hope. That’s my word. So excited! http://wp.me/p2xL8L-ge
Love it, Sarah! Don’t forget to link it up on the community page: http://oneword365.com/community/
I recently wrote a post about OneWord365, my word, and a list of What to Do With Your Word: http://maybeteenauthor.blogspot.com/2012/12/one-word-365.html
so great! make sure you link up your post here: http://oneword365.com/community/
My word is Satisfied.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for Gods approval. For they will be Satisfied.
love that verse — and your word!
This year I’m not just going to get by, I’m going to THRIVE! https://thegrubhub.wordpress.com/2012/12/31/restore-oneword-2012-recap-and-2013-oneword/
one of my favorite words ever!
don’t forget to add your post to the community page: http://oneword365.com/community/
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I found this after I’d already been thinking about my word. Without even knowing it, I already had a plan! Thanks for this : )
My word is PURPOSE
so great, Melanie!
My one word for 2013 is abide… My prayer is that I will abide in Jesus and He in me in such a way to draw others to want to abide in Him too!
Abide. That is my One Word for 2013. How funny it is, Julie, that your word is abide!
love when people connect over shared words! someone else to journey with this year!
BEAUTIFUL!
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I’m so excited to start this journey! My word this year is “steady.”
i love your word, meredith!
2013 – OneWord – “Realize” Looking forward to the adventure!
I wrote about “Realize” if anyone is interested… http://encourageyourspouse.com/2013-oneword365/
Heading over to read about what others have chosen! :-)
love your word! don’t forget to add your post to the link-up: http://oneword365.com/community/
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I am so thrilled to have found this blog and selected my own ONE WORD:
http://jheatherleigh.blogspot.com/2013/01/one-word.html
I look forward to reading your post! don’t forget to add it to the community link-up page: http://oneword365.com/community/
This is great – to share with each other…I chose courage for my word this year… http://maturitascafe.com/2012/12/31/courage-my-word-for-2013/
Awesome! Don’t forget to link up your post here: http://oneword365.com/community/
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Really interesting concept behind this community. Thank you! My word for 2013 is undeniably PUBLISHED, as in, a published book author. I have some pretty good writing goals going on in 2013 and “published” is where I see myself going.
Awesome!
This is my first year participating. So filled with excitement and anticipation. Thank you for rallying the troups into community with this project. Love it. My word for 2013 is ART. My post if here: http://www.wynnegraceappears.com/2013/01/02/
Beautiful, Elizabeth! Did you already link up on the community page?
Yes, I did, linked up on the community page too. Thanks for the opportunity.
I’ve got my word! Read my first post here: http://musingsandmeanderings-mlp.blogspot.com/2013/01/one-word.html
Awesome! don’t forget to link it up here: http://oneword365.com/community/
This is the first time I’ve heard of this idea of one word for the year. I LOVE IT! And the neat thing is that as I was reading about it I thought quickly, “Lord, what would my word be?” I tend to over think everything so I was surprised when a word came quickly to my mind. As I read more about it here, and then on some of the links, I thought about ways people came to choose their word. But the Lord kept whispering the same word over and over again in my mind. This word is quite applicable in my life right now, even though I don’t really like it – never have. But it is God’s word for me this year WAIT.
powerful word, tammy! gonna be quite the year!
Love you and am joining in BIG time. My word for 2013 is Intentional! Every breath and move… intentional.
Love it, Dedra! And i love YOU!
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love this! count me in :) http://myspaciousplace.wordpress.com/2013/01/02/awake/
Last year was my first time doing ONE WORD. I loved how God worked in my life and is still working through the word CONTENT.
2013 JOY is my word and I have been blessed to see so many people share and desire God’s working in their lives!
so awesome to hear that, piper!
I love this! I found my word and have already begun living it and deep breathing it! My word is patience. I teach 3rd grade and I am doing this with both my classes tomorrow. The kids will be looking inward-upward- and outward to each find their special word.
you are a BRAVE soul to choose “patience”! and i love love LOVE that you’re having your students get involved — so fun!
Though I’m not a stranger to the idea behind the One Word challenge, I’ve never actually participated until this year. My one word for 2013 is “return.” Read more of my thoughts on it here: http://denisedilley.blogspot.com/2013/01/forget-new-years-resolutions.html
beautiful, denise!
don’t forget to add your post to the community page: http://oneword365.com/community/
Awesome idea. I was so intrigued when I saw it popping up around my virtual world that I am going to do it! Thanks for this blessing of oneword.
I picked my One Word!
Check it out: http://growinguplittle.wordpress.com/2013/01/03/self-one-word-2013/
I Choose Joy……Leading the women and families that I minister to through Motor Racing Outreach, a ministry to NASCAR members, on The Joy Journey in 2013!! This is awesome!!
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Freedom
It’s official… I’m making 2013 about being “still.” http://stephandkim.wordpress.com/2013/01/04/its-probably-no-surprise/
Alece – Can’t tell you how much that word “enough” is impacting me, too. I’m looking forward to reading along!
Can’t wait! I’m getting started on my One Word. Will post in community page soon!
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