If resolutions never seem to stick, you’re not alone. Big goals and long lists can feel overwhelming—especially in midlife when you’re juggling work, family, caregiving, or maybe stepping into a whole new season. That’s why I’ve learned to start the year with just one word instead.

Choosing a word for the year is like giving yourself a personal mission statement—something simple and meaningful that brings focus to every part of your life. Instead of a dozen resolutions, one word becomes your theme, your anchor, and your reminder as you move through the year.

And the best part? You can shape it around your current season of life. Whether you’re navigating change, craving peace, or wanting to grow in a specific area, your word can meet you right where you are.

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Why the One Word Challenge Works

Choosing one word for the year gives you direction without being overwhelmed. It’s less about perfection and more about progress—helping you grow, reflect, and stay intentional in your choices. It’s a small commitment that can lead to big transformation when you let it guide your year.

I’ve been doing this challenge since 2016. Some years it worked beautifully. Other years, it didn’t seem to “fit”—until the year unfolded and I saw how much I’d grown because of it. (You can read about my 2019 word “DWELL” here and how it carried me through a very challenging caregiving season.)

How to Choose One Word for the Year

Step 1: Reflect on the past year
Start by slowing down and asking yourself a few questions. Journaling helps, but even a quiet walk or a moment of prayer can bring clarity.

• What challenged me last year—and how did I respond?
• Where did I grow? Where did I feel stuck?
• What am I longing for right now—peace, purpose, connection, clarity?
• What’s one thing I want to do differently this year? What would help me flourish?

You might begin to notice a theme. A specific word may already be forming in your heart.

Step 2: Make a list
Jot down words from the answers to the questions above, or others that resonate with you—verbs, nouns, even short phrases. Then, narrow it down to three to five. Look for overlap. Are they connected to the same feeling or area of growth?

From there, choose the one that stirs something inside of you. It doesn’t have to be trendy or clever. It just needs to be true for where you are and where you want to grow.

Once you have chosen your word, learn everything about it! Write out the definition from the dictionary and use a Bible concordance and write down verses. You may want to dedicate a new journal or notebook to record all your notes, prayers, and progress over the year regarding your word.  

Plan the Year

The word you select will be more effective when you have a plan for living it out. Here are some simple steps to implement your plan:

1. Write a mission statement – Define what your word means to you and how you want to live it out. Keep your mission statement where it is visible or save it on the note app on your phone.

For example, if your word is generosity, your statement might be something like this:

“2022 will be a year of generosity. I want this to mean that it will be less about me and more about others. It means a commitment to: Giving regularly to my favorite charity; volunteering more time to help others; and looking out for my neighbors and offering friendship.”

2. Choose a tool – Pick one way to track or reflect on your word throughout the year.

• Journal about what you’re learning
• Choose themed verses to study or memorize
• Compile a reading list
• Put together a playlist
• Join an online community

3. Post your word – Make it visible.

• Post it on your mirror or make it wallpaper for your phone
• Order a piece of jewelry (such as a bracelet or necklace) with your word
• Take a picture of something with that word, frame it, and display it.
• Make a vision board or Pinterest board

4. Track Progress – Check in weekly or monthly and journal your discoveries.

• How is this word showing up in my life?
• What improvements have I made?
• What still needs attention?

Your Word of the Year doesn’t have to be perfect. It doesn’t have to impress anyone. It just needs to be yours. Something honest, hopeful, and meaningful for the season you’re in.

One word really can shape a whole year—especially when it helps you slow down, stay focused, and grow with purpose.

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