How to Choose a Word of the Year

It’s the time of year when many of us reflect on the past and make plans for the future. I enjoy setting aside some time between Christmas and New Years to reflect on both the good and the challenging experiences of the past year. I’m always filled with gratitude as I know I have grown stronger through each experience. I also love looking forward with anticipation to a fresh new year of possibilities.

For the past 8 years, I have adopted the habit of choosing a “Word of the Year” that is meant to remind me of my priorities as I make important life decisions in the coming months. Follow these 4 simple steps to nail down your word of the year and begin living a life of focused intention!

1. Take Inventory

It is so important to begin the process of choosing a word of the year by reflecting on how you are currently doing in key areas of your life. Grab a pen & paper, journal, or your computer and rate the following areas on a scale of 1-10 (10 being the best). Be honest and write some notes as to why you scored yourself this way. These are the 5 key areas to reflect on: 

  • Personal (Health/Faith/Home)
  • Relationships (Spouse/Family/Friends)
  • Finance
  • Work
  • Recreation (Hobbies/Sports/Travel)

2. Think “big picture”

This key question is going to guide you as you move forward: what is going to matter to you when you’re 80? I can bet it won’t have anything to do with the number of likes you get on Instagram or how big your house is and will have everything to do with health, relationships, and living a joy filled, peaceful life! 

  • Think LEGACY. What kind of life do you want to be living in 10, 30 or 50 years from now? The choices you make now will lead you toward or away from those goals!
  • What do you want to be remembered for when you are gone? Begin building a life around the things that matter most, now! 

3. What Matters Most?

Grab your calendar and take a look at all of your current commitments … everything from work, to parenting to house tasks. Then remember that life changing question: where do you want to be when you are 80? Is your calendar aligned with your deepest values and desires?
  • What will you say NO to this year? Make room for what matters most by eliminating time suckers, extra responsibilities and draining friendships. 
  • What will you say YES to this year? Choose to live a life of purpose and say yes to the things that will move you closer to the legacy you are creating. 

4. Brainstorm Possible Words

Now that you are focused on your main priorities for the coming year, begin to make a list of all of the possible words that reflect what matters most to you. Remember you are choosing a word for a season, not forever! 

  • Here are some examples: Rest, Simplify, Organize, Consistent, Contentment, Bold, Brave, Intentional, Joy, Peace, Grace, Patience, Worthy, Fearless
  • After you have written a list of words, notice the ones that pop out at you and choose 1-3 words to define. Grab a dictionary and look for the meaning behind the words you are considering.
  • Now it’s time to choose your word! Write down your word in prominent places in your life: on your phone, on sticky notes around your house, on a screen saver and be reminded daily of your WHY as you make decisions this year.

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My hope is that this process was both helpful and exciting for you. I encourage you to share your word with family and friends and tell them your, “why” behind it. Perhaps you may even motivate some of your friends and family to choose a word of their own, too!

My word for 2022 is CONTENTMENT. I’m choosing to be pleased and satisfied with what I have, create realistic expectations of what I can achieve in a day and cultivate a peaceful ease of mind. I’m excited to focus in on the simple things of life and see the world with a sense of wonder! (Hebrews 13:5)

I’d love to hear what your word of the year is, please share it below in the comments!