Since I see this as a safe space, I want to share a little secret with you, but you have to promise not to judge me… I’m not a big fan of new year resolutions.

If your eyes are already set on your 2020 goals, I hope I haven’t lost you. I have nothing against you AT ALL! New year resolutions just don’t work for me. In the past I’ve made resolutions only to break them within the first month or two; therefore, I wanted to share an alternative option to this yearly tradition.

And of course, every new tradition begins with an origin story, so I will try to make mine brief.

At the end of 2018 I was 8 months pregnant and reached the stage where I kept thinking “can I have this baby already”. As the new year approached, I couldn’t be less interested in establishing complex goals with action steps or due dates especially with my track record with resolutions. Like most I reflected on the past year and thought about the one to come.

Around this time a colleague introduced me to the book One Word that will change your life by Jon Gordon, Dan Britton, & Jimmy Page.  During our conversation she raved about her experiences of incorporating this concept, and ultimately the transformation it has had over her life. As I listened, I was drawn to the great impact and simplicity of this ideal. So, by the end of our conversation when she challenged me to join her by choosing one word for 2019, I figured, “what the heck, it won’t hurt to give this a try”.

So, what’s this whole one-word thing? Well the concept is quite simple. The authors recommend you simply select one word and apply it to the following areas of your life for an entire year: spiritual, physical, emotional, relational, mental, and financial. That’s it… Seriously, that’s it. I don’t know about you, but when I hear folks sharing their new year resolutions or goals, I find that most people are trying to make improvements in one of those areas. So, why not make changes in ALL six simultaneously?

I spent a few days visualizing how I wanted to see myself in these six areas and kept being drawn to three words: calm, peace, and unbothered. Since the concept is to only commit to one-word I did what any reasonable person would do. I did a quick Google search and guess what came up? The word Serenity. The definition was PERFECT! Per google, serenity is the state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled. Almost the exact three words that kept appearing to me. It was just that easy. And that’s how I committed to living a life filled with serenity in 2019.

So how did I do? Since there weren’t any concrete boxes to check off, I had to be honest with myself about my progress. My transition into motherhood had the strongest impact on my word selection, but if you read my first post, you’re also aware of all my other changes in 2019. Despite a few bumps in the road which is to be expected I can confidently say I had more moments filled with serenity than anxiety, agitation, or chaos. So, that’s a win in my book! And the incorporation of the one-word concept was so impactful on my life, I decided to embark on the one-word journey again this year.    

Now the moment you have been waiting for… It is time for the big reveal. My one-word for 2020 is INTENTIONAL. And because I don’t plan on going on this journey alone I am challenging you to join me by selecting one-word of your own. I am going to be optimistic by thinking you are going to take me up on my offer. And because I am so optimistic, I have three tips to help you stay on track as we live out our words. Do you see how I’m already using we? It’s nice to be in this together.

• Read: Even though the concept behind one-word is as simple as I’ve previously stated I still recommend reading the book. The book is a fast and easy read as it is only 90 pages and the authors even state it can be read in 49 minutes. I cannot confirm or deny how long it actually takes but I was able to finish in less than two days by only reading during my downtime at work.

• Visibility: To ensure you don’t fall victim to the out of sight out of mind effect post your word in a place(s) you are often so you can see it. I have a graphic of my word with the definition saved as a note on my phone, displayed as the background on my laptop, and will add to my vision board. Your bathroom mirror, calendar, nightstand, journal, or car are other areas you can post your word. 
• Accountability: Tell your friends! I find I am more successful when I have an accountability partner. Last year I shared my word with my husband, mom, friend/colleague, and group of college girlfriends. Even though everyone did not join me by selecting a word it helped knowing other people were willing to hold me accountable. My mom and friend/colleague joined me by selecting consistency and transformation as their words for 2019, and have chosen surrender and action as their words for 2020. And don’t forget you have been added to my list of accountability partners as well.

Whether you decide to choose one word to live by or have a new year resolution I’d love to hear about your plans for the upcoming year. Leave your word or 2020 resolution in the comments below so we can connect.

Cheers to a successful 2020,

Patience

** Quick side note before you go. I don’t want you to leave with the impression that I am anti-goals. That could not be further from the truth. Even though I am not a new year resolutions fan I absolutely LOVE setting goals. In a mini post I will share how I set short and long-term goals and get crafty by displaying them on my vision board. See ya there!**

If you need any additional support as you navigate motherhood schedule a 15-minute consultation with Patience today. You are not alone mama.

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