Creating a Yearly WordSample

Why Choose a Yearly Word?

Many years ago, my friends told me about a new trend: in January, you choose a single word representing something you want to focus on improving. After we chose our words, my friends and I had a party and painted our chosen words on wooden boards.

Some of the words chosen by the people at my party included trust, fearless, pray, and peace. My word was persevere. I painted the word in white and placed the board in my office, where I saw it nearly daily.

In my second year of choosing a word, I didn’t have it hanging anywhere and eventually forgot what it was. This reminded me of New Year’s resolutions; often, we start lacking in our new goal, and eventually, we may forget about it altogether. One of the things I’ve discovered about this word-choice concept is that it’s important to put the word somewhere you’ll see it throughout the year so that you can reflect on it and grow.

Since that second year, I’ve become much more thoughtful and methodical when choosing my word—so much so that I created a method I teach others. (It may sound a bit nerdy, but I’m an English professor, so it was fun for me!).

This method includes a spiritual aspect for those who want to incorporate faith into the process. As you work on your word throughout the year, you simultaneously do so with God and the Bible as your guide and source of wisdom.

Picking a word for the year does not have to be in January—you can start any time.

Essentially, we’re taught this concept in scripture. We’re being transformed into God’s image as we follow him and grow throughout life. We’re also being sanctified—that is, while we were once made holy and set apart for God during our salvation, we're also “progressively sanctified” by pursuing spiritual growth and maturity. This is a slow process for some of us, but that’s okay because we’re pursuing holiness.

If you’ve been wanting to work on something in your life—whether it’s spiritually, in relationships, or anything else—come along, and I’ll help you pick a word to set you on a path for change.