The Power of 1 (Word)
Hello, hello! Happy New Year! By the way, how is it already the middle of the month? Probably the same way I’m finally putting together my first post of the year after nothing in December. What makes time fly by so much faster the older we get? Well, 2025, here we are; January, a time of reflection that turns into anticipation of all that will be new.
I have been a willing participant of resolutions and goal setting in the past, but only heard “quitter’s day” for the first time this year. That was a WOW! moment for me in a very sad way. I can’t say that resolutions worked for me, but I don’t recall giving up on something after only 1 week. Why do we feel the need to make gigantic changes at the beginning of each new year only to see ourselves back to our habits of old?
I think the key here is trying to go too big. I heard a woman say the other day that she wasn’t going to try and eat the elephant all at once. Similar to other metaphors I know, yet powerful. For some reason, we get these well-meaning ideas about how we’re going to make changes and everything will be better. Just like the visions of sugar plums dancing in our heads, we can see ourselves thinner, fitter, happier, richer. Then something happens, and, instead of shifting or learning, we quit. Next thing we know, we’re right back into the comforting arms of bad habits. And since it’s winter time for the majority of us, hibernating sounds like a jolly good time.
Last year I learned about finding and focusing on one word. The concept turned out to be pretty powerful, even though I didn’t physically plan and reflect on it all year. So, once again, that will be my approach this year. New word to gain focus and put the wheels in motion for being better: better wife, better friend, better business owner, etc.
Here’s my process:
- Choose 1 word (last year was possibilities)
- Create a board for that word (I’m making a Google slide)
- Word goes on the board any way you choose
- Each week, I spend 10 minutes reflecting, celebrating, adjusting, adding ideas/concepts
- Add images and/or words
- Everything on my board is intentional and focused
In a nutshell, here’s to the NEW. Whether you want to read more books, cook tastier meals, or learn a new skill, I’m right here cheering for you! If you’re trying to eat the whole elephant, take a step back, and chew on a smaller piece. Don’t take quitting as your option. You’ve got this! Right now, I’ve got a board to start. What will be your word this year?
Loving You,
Babb