HOW ONE WORD CHANGED MY LIFE AND HOW IT CAN DO THE SAME FOR YOU!

by ERIN SHARPLIN LOVE | erinlove@panachebyerin.com

What do you do at the beginning of a new year?  I have made resolutions like most people but failed to see them through.  I know I am not alone in that.  So, a few years ago while on my personal growth journey, I came across a concept that intrigued me by recommending the choice of ONE word a year by which to live my life.  In addition, such a commitment promises a happier year.  It made total sense!  

Choosing one word that represents what you want more of, what you want to focus on, or what you need to improve upon is much more than a seldom-kept new year resolution!  It is a game changer!  

I have been choosing a word of the year for almost six years, and I can tell you that it has changed my life. Let me tell you how:

1.  I know my “why” for each year.  Knowing your why is one of the most important steps to creating, reaching, and surpassing your goals.  If you don’t start with why, you have no direction.  For instance, my word a few years ago was “grow.” Every choice I made was based on whether it would help me to that goal–to grow personally, emotionally, spiritually, professionally, etc.   Your word of the year may be balance.  You will now be able to create your year so that it balances you – personally, emotionally, spiritually, etc.  

2. I can say “no” more easily.  I no longer have to say yes to events, meetings, or situations that don’t serve my “why.”  My days and nights are focused on what I truly want to achieve during the year.  

3. Following this path makes my goals clearer, so that means that I am more likely to achieve them.  In fact, you may develop goals based on your word that you never even thought about.  For instance, each year I make goals in eight different areas of my life- work, love life, physical environment, spiritual life, friends and family, fun and recreation, health, and financial. I use my word of the year to create specific goals for each area.  

Now that you know how choosing a word of the year can change your life, let me tell you how to go about choosing a word.  

1. Consider how the past year has been.  What is something you want to improve upon?  Do differently?  Keep working on?

2. What isn’t going so well in your life right now?  Turn it around and consider what would make it better.  Maybe you aren’t devoting enough time to fun and recreation. for instance.  Think of words that lead you to change that – enjoy, fun, recreation, and relax are a few to get you started.  

3. What do you want more of in your life?  Travel?  Love?  Abundance?  The list is truly endless.

4.  What do you want less of?  This question will prompt you to turn the negative into a positive.  For instance, I would love less rushing.  In my business, everyone needs something right now.  A goal of mine is to be prepared for whatever is thrown at me.  

If nothing is jumping out at you, go online and google “word of the year.” Dozens of lists will pop up for you.  

For the word of the year to change your life, you must use it properly.  You can’t just set it and forget it.  You must see it and use it often. I typically create a vision board with my word and hang it in my office.  Below are a few more ideas of how to incorporate your word into everyday life.  Feel free to do one or all of them!    

1. Create a screensaver with your word.  

2. Create a personal hashtag.  No one needs to know what it means, but using it and seeing it will serve as a good reminder.  

3.  Have your word made into a piece of jewelry.  My favorites are necklaces and bracelets.  Then every time you look down you will be reminded of your why!

4. Have a huggie made for your water bottles or cold drinks.  

5. Find and read books that are specific to your word.  It will help engrain it further into your psyche. 

So, without further ado, my word for 2022 is STRENGTH!  I am looking forward to strengthening my relationships with my husband, my children, my other family members, my friends, my clients, my coworkers, my God, and myself!  What is your word of the year?  Please share with me on social media or by emailing me at erinlove@panachebyerin.com.