How ONE WORD Replaced Every New Year Resolution.
As the New Year approaches, many of us find ourselves setting resolutions, mapping out goals, and planning ways to make this year even better than the last. But perhaps you’re looking for a fresh approach, or maybe you’re weary of resolutions that never seem to last. Let me share how choosing just one word each year has transformed my life.
WHY RESOLUTIONS DON'T WORK.
Every year, I used to make resolutions. The most common ones were goals like losing “x” amount of weight or writing in my journal every day. Sometimes, I’d aim to “be kinder,” “read the Bible more,” or “exercise daily.” Have you made resolutions like these? And, if so, have they ever truly stuck?
Forbes published an article explaining why New Year’s resolutions often fail, noting that “64% of these resolutions will be abandoned after just one month.” Why does this happen? Why are resolutions so hard to keep? Resolutions are well-intentioned, but they rarely have lasting power. For any meaningful change to take root, it requires more than just a change in season—it requires a change in heart.
After years of making and breaking resolutions, I finally understood that I wanted my behaviors to change without addressing the heart behind them. Without that shift in motivation, the resolutions faded quickly.
But there’s one practice that has truly transformed my New Year: choosing one word.
WHAT IS ONE WORD?
The idea behind One Word is simple: choose a single word to focus on for the entire year. I first learned about One Word from my childhood friend, Alece, the founder of One Word 365. Their slogan is: “Choose just one word. Go where it takes you. Be who it makes you.” You can visit their website here.
As they explain:
Forget New Year’s resolutions. Scrap that long list of goals you won’t remember a few weeks from now! Choose just one word. One word you can focus on every day, all year long… One word that sums up who you want to be or how you want to live. It will take intentionality and commitment, but if you let it, your one word will shape not only your year, but also you. It will become the compass that directs your decisions and guides your steps.
I started this practice a few years ago, and, Friend, I have seen God move in ways I never expected!
MY WORDS OVER THE YEARS.
2015: Perfection
My word for 2015 was Perfection, inspired by Matthew 5:48: “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” As I submitted to God’s teaching, the Holy Spirit revealed areas of my life that didn’t align with who He created me to be. Although it was a painful year, it marked the beginning of God’s work to perfect me according to His image.
2016: Joy
After a challenging 2015, I chose Joy as my focus for 2016, holding onto Nehemiah 8:10: “Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” That year, I learned to find joy in every circumstance, even the hard ones.
2017: Purpose
In 2017, my word was Purpose, inspired by Habakkuk 2:1-3. As I sought the Lord, He clarified my purpose, giving me clear direction and vision. It was a year of learning to trust His timing and His purpose for my life.
2018: Healing
My word for 2018 was Healing, rooted in Isaiah 61:1-4. After years of physical and emotional hardship, I sought God’s healing in every area—mind, body, and soul. He gently uncovered areas of deep pain and brokenness, bringing me into a season of restoration.
2019: Renew
In 2019, I focused on Renew, with Romans 12:2 as my guide: “Be transformed by the renewal of your mind…” That year, God began to renew my mind, leading me through the beginnings of healing from depression and anxiety. Renewal, I discovered, is a lifelong journey, a continual transformation into Jesus’s image.
2020: Fearless
In 2020, I felt called to Fearless, encouraged by 2 Timothy 1:6-7. After a year of renewal, God showed me that fear still had a hold on my life. 2020 was about learning to live fearlessly through His power, love, and wisdom. Little did I know how much I would need this strength as the year unfolded.
2021: Rest
Rest was my word for 2021, grounded in Matthew 11:28: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” After decades in ministry, I’d never fully embraced rest, partly out of fear. This year, God taught me that true rest comes from trusting Him, not from striving.
2022: Rebuild
In 2022, Rebuild became my focus, inspired by Isaiah 58. After a year of rest, God revealed strongholds that needed dismantling. As I entered 2022, I was surrounded by the rubble of my former ways. This year became about rebuilding—not by my standards, but through resting in Jesus and re-centering my life on apprenticeship to Him.
2023: Crucified
In 2023, my word was Crucified, drawn from Matthew 16:24-26. Rebuilding had revealed parts of my life that needed to be surrendered. I was nervous to take up this call, but I knew it was part of becoming more like Jesus. With my heart set on discipleship, I entered a season of laying down my own way to walk in the easy yoke of Christ, trusting that He would lead me through every step.
2024: Resurrection
In 2024, my word was Resurrection, inspired by Romans 6:4-7. I was moved by John Mark Comer’s words: “Resurrection is simply bringing the body back to life.” After years of relying on my own wisdom, I felt called to restore my body and my life according to God’s wisdom. This year became about living the resurrection in every moment, letting each decision reflect new life.
2025: Beauty
As I prayed and reflected on my word for 2025, I sensed that with resurrection comes a renewed mind to see beauty. What if each moment could be lived in awe of God’s beauty, rather than clouded by judgment, criticism, or discouragement? This year, I’m stepping into that vision, letting my heart and mind be captivated by the beauty of His presence and the beauty that surrounds me. My verse for the year is Psalm 27:4.
HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR WORD
Reflect on Last Year’s Word
(If you are new to this One Word, jump to #2.)
Take a moment to look back on last year’s word. Ask yourself how God used it to shape you, what lessons you learned, and how it has impacted your walk with Him. This reflection can often point to what He’s inviting you to focus on next.
Pray
Begin with prayer, asking God to reveal a word that He wants you to focus on this year. Prayer is key to discovering the word that will guide and shape your journey.
Wait
Sometimes, choosing a word requires waiting on God’s timing. If a word doesn’t immediately come to mind, don’t feel pressured to rush the process. God’s guidance often comes in quiet moments, and waiting allows space for Him to speak to your heart clearly.
Waiting on God can look like spending time in prayer, reflecting on Scripture, or simply being still. Let God direct you in His own time. Remember, waiting is not passive; it’s an active trust in His timing and wisdom. He knows exactly when and how to place the right word on your heart.
I start praying about my word in September of the previous year. The Holy Spirit seems to bring me through multiple words and ideas before inspiring one word around mid-November. It happens that way every year. And so . . . I wait.
Open Your Ears and Eyes
Stay attentive to the world around you. Sometimes, God speaks through unexpected moments. In December of 2016, I was watching a documentary on Netflix, and someone being interviewed said, “I would hate to waste my life using my gifts and talents for a purpose God never ordained.” Purpose immediately resonated in my spirit—I couldn’t shake it. God can use anyone or anything, even Netflix, to speak to you. Keep your heart, eyes, and ears open for His leading.
Brainstorm
Set a timer for one minute and jot down any words that come to mind. When the timer goes off, look back over the words. Does one stand out or resonate with you? A free workbook is included below to help you brainstorm and explore possibilities.
Scripture
Is there a Bible verse that you can’t get out of your heart? Sometimes, God highlights a word through Scripture. For example, my word for 2021, Rest, came from Matthew 11:28. What verse has been stirring in your spirit? Your word may be waiting there.
Prayer & Confirmation
Once you’ve chosen your word, pray over it. Ask God to bring it alive in your heart, to show you how He wants to use this word to shape and grow you. Pray for eyes to see how He is working this word into your life. Listen for any confirmations. Sometimes, God reaffirms a word through sermons, songs, or conversations. Keep a small section in your journal to note these moments; they can strengthen your resolve to focus on the word throughout the year.
KEEP FOCUSED ALL YEAR
Seeing God move through your word takes intentional focus. Here are some practical ways to stay connected to your word all year:
• Write your word on the printable included in the workbook below, and place it where you can see it daily.
• Keep it in the front cover of your journal as a reminder and journal daily or weekly on how God is moving through your word.
• Write out Scriptures related to your word and keep them in your journal.
• Reflect weekly on how God is working through your word.
• Bookmark or pin any blog posts or Bible studies that relate to your word.
• Finally, choose one verse that will ground you in your word for the year.
I pray that this year, God moves mightily in your life through your one word. May He reveal Himself clearly as you choose your word, live it daily, and grow from the journey it brings. May this be a year of deep transformation, guided by His presence every step of the way.
What’s your one word for this new year?
We’d love to hear from you! Share your word in the comments below,
and let’s encourage one another as we step into this journey together.
