I wasn't too sure if I would commit to a resolution this year. Every year I say to myself, "I plan to get in shape. I plan to eat better." But the truth is it's hard to follow so many rules. After a couple of weeks, I give up. I'm sure most of you can relate.
Then, I received an email two days ago that changed my thinking on resolutions. Here, why don't you read yourself...http://blueprintforlife.com/blog/the-power-of-one-word/
Here is a reprint of the post written by Jake Sumner:
Last year, my friend Mike Ashcraft released a book titled My One Word: Change Your Life with Just One Word. As a pastor, Mike noticed that as every New Year rolled around, people in his congregation would make multiple resolutions to change. Usually these resolutions would be forgotten by the end of January and the next January, people were making the same resolutions all over again. He thought there had to be a better a way.
That’s when he decided to focus on just one word for an entire year. The results of this simple experiment were surprising. Ever since, Mike has been challenging his congregation to just pick one word to focus on for an entire year. In his book, he details the reasons why focusing on less actually produces better results and shares the experiences of many who have taken the one word challenge.
At the beginning of this year, I decided to choose one word for 2013. After careful consideration, the word I chose was “buildup.” I realize that buildup usually has a negative connotation like the buildup of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere or plaque on one’s teeth. I chose buildup because it reminds me that every single day I’m accumulating something. It’s up to me whether I’m increasing in good ways or bad.
Over the course of the last year, I’ve had the opportunity to experience buildup in the following areas:
- Spiritual life. My one word has reminded me to pursue spiritual disciplines daily that keep me growing.
- Relationships. I’ve also been reminded to be intentional about investing time in others. Small investments regularly in my wife, children, friends and family have allowed me to grow these essential relationships.
- Career. I had no idea when I chose buildup as my word that I would be involved in a startup company this year. Buildup has proved to be an incredibly apt word to describe the activity I’ve been a part of this year at iDisciple as we’ve built systems, processes, and a team.
- Finances. My one word reminded me to focus on making giving and saving a regular part of my routine. At the end of this year, it’s exciting to see the results that have built up over the course of a year.
Pretty good right!?! As I thought about this concept through out the day and the improvements I want to make for the coming year, the word LOVE kept coming to me!
I want to love my husband better (strengthen our marriage), I want to show more love to my kids (less time on my iPhone), I want to love my Lord more (recommit to the Rosary), and I want (need) to love myself (via exercise and healthy eating)! I plan to put the word "love" on sticky notes and place on my vanity, in my vehicle, in my wallet...as a reminder that I need to spread more love.
So how about it!? Anyone else have ONE WORD that will focus on for the new year!?
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