How to Stick to Your One Word All Year Long

After you’ve popped the New Year’s champagne and pretended to know the lyrics to Auld Lang Syne, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and dig into a new year.

Half the universe seems to pick a single word to guide them for the year. And I’m no different. I’ve picked my “one word” for years now. But it wasn’t until I tried these tips that my One Word was still a part of my life come October.

You might not be worried that you’ll lose sight of your word this year. But life gets in the way and I promise it can get away from you. Try these tips so you stay true to YOUR One Word once the New Year euphoria wears off!

1. Make the word tangible.

Your word can’t just live in digital la-la-land. Make a pretty printable with your word and hang it in your workspace. Bust out a Sharpie and jot your word on a Post-It. Or do what I did and spell your word on a customized bracelet!

2. Set up goals with your word in mind.

When creating goals for the week, year, month, or year, ask yourself: “is this helping me [your word here] more?” I’ve ALREADY caught myself a few times wanting to work on or do things that weren’t helping me focus.

But if you can START with the right goals, you’ll be out the gate on the right track.

3. Have an accountability partner.

Whether it’s an IRL friend or one in your computer, your BFF or your spouse, tell someone your word and why you chose it. Let them tell you their word and seal the deal with a pinky swear that you’ll keep it other on track. You can set a reminder to text, chat, snapchat, etc about your progress every week or two as well.

4. Write your word at the TOP OF EACH MONTHLY PAGE in your paper planner.

I’ve seen all the flat lay shots on Instagram of your planners… I know you’ve got one! Whether it’s a Day Designer, Erin Condren, blog planner, or just a simple one from Target (mine!), when you jot your word down at the top of each page, you’ll be reminded EVERY month to keep that word in mind as you plan your month out.

Only go digital? Then add it as an event on the first day of your month. Whatever you do you want to physically SEE the word every month in case you’ve let your focus on the word slide a bit.

5. Set a reminder each quarter to evaluate and adjust.

I like to tell Siri what to do since she actually listens (hi kids!), so I have her remind me every three months. Though she DID keep hearing “review my one-word Kohl’s” instead of “goals.” Haha.

Spend five minutes evaluating your progress:

• How am I feeling about my word? Still working for me? (If it’s not, pick a new one or try adjusting your goals for that word.)
• How has my word changed my life/relationships/business/self?
• Did I meet any goals this quarter? YAY.
• Any goals I need to move to next quarter? (You’ve still got this.)

Share Your Word in the Comments!

About a week ago I asked this question and it was neat to see the varying words people chose. If you don’t have a word, share something you want to accomplish this year!