One Word that Will Change Your Life
My friends Dan Britton and Jimmy Page believe that one word can change our life. Dan and Jimmy are the co-authors of Wisdom Walks, and they share a powerful concept in their chapter "Just One Word." Every year for 16 years before New Year's Day, they come up with their word for the year that will give meaning and focus to their life. They said they don't randomly pick a word, but rather through reflection, prayer and listening to their heart the word comes to them.
I thought it was a brilliant idea. We live in a busy stressed-filled world with tons of distractions that cause us to forgo our resolutions and forget about our goals. But everyone can remember and focus upon one word that will represent the essence of what we hope to accomplish and who we want to be.
Since Dan and Jimmy do this with their wife and children as well I was inspired to do the same. I talked about the concept with my wife and kids and we all came up with our words on New Year's Day.
My word is Surrender.
Honestly, it was a choice between surrender and enjoy. While making my annual New Year’s jump into the ocean I felt a sharp pain in my knee and I had trouble walking out of the ocean. I thought to myself, "not a great way to start the year." But as I reached the shore I heard the word surrender loud and clear and knew it was my word for the year.
My wife's word is Hopeful. Last year was a tough year and she wants to remain hopeful this year.
My thirteen year old daughter's word is Motivation. Let’s just say, it's a great word for her. : )
My eleven year old son chose the word Positive. He wants to be more positive at home and on the tennis court.
Doing this exercise with my family was a lot of fun and very meaningful. It's something you can also do with your team at work. We have an exercise in our Soup workshops where people write their word on a wooden spoon that they take back to their office with them to remind them to live their word. After all, just imagine if everyone in your work place knew their word and lived it each day to make themselves and their team better.
Once you come up with your word feel free to write it on one of the one word posters we created for you. Or you can even make a painting of your word. Every New Year’s eve, Dan and Jimmy and their families each paint their word. Here’s the photo of Dan’s.
So what’s your word for this year?
What word will give you focus and meaning to make 2012 your best year yet? You can share your word with me and others on our Facebook or Blog page. I’d love to know your word.
- Jon |
Greetings!
