Fresh starts…new beginnings. Whatever you call it, it is a great time to set goals striving for something new or something we’ve failed. Goals are great. They work. Read the web and you can find plenty of material on how to set them, measure them, plus extra motivational tips, and reminders to be accountable.
Teaching special education before my eyesight grew too dim from a progressive eye disease, Retinitis Pigmentosa, gave me plenty of practice at writing goals. But, you know how a plumber’s sink at home constantly leaks, and a mechanic’s car doesn’t run? Well, that was me back then, too tired for writing personal goals. Now I plan goals for my writing, household, church, and our ministry. If I’m lucky, they get written down or typed in my computer. I must confess, I don’t always remember to read them again, though. Going through the process does help compared to not doing it at all. Not ideal.
In conjunction with trying to improve my goal record-keeping, is the thinking of a word for the year. By this, I mean, choose a word to embrace a character trait you want to change, or one representing things you want to accomplish. It’s not measurable like goals, and works differently. For example, the first year I chose the word “progress.” I was so far behind I thought I was first. Being behind meant failure in my eyes. Focusing on the word “progress” gave me relief at the end of the day. Tense muscles relaxed, knowing quantity nor distance mattered – I had moved forward. Progress was positive. I wasn’t in the same place, and I hadn’t gone backwards.
The next year I chose the word “priority” so I could begin to evaluate the choices I was making. Trust me, it took the entire year to observe my priorities too. Some of my other words have been positive, consistency, and last year’s was a phrase. There are no rules. Think of it as an abbreviated goal-setting. It’s purpose is to keep you focused on one trait you want to change more than any other. Here’s a list for you to consider.
| apologize | encourage | learning | saving |
| art | exercise | maintenance | shopping |
| bonding | faith | memory | sleep |
| budgeting | family | participate | steadfast |
| cleaning | finances | patience | stress-relief |
| clutter | focus | prayer | time |
| communication | giving | productive | travel |
| cooking | gratitude | projects | trust |
| creativity | grow | read | volunteering |
| debt | humility | relaxation | witnessing |
| diet | intentional | repairs |
What’s my word for this year? I’m not positive yet, but think I’m going with routine. Our life has gotten so out of balance that we need to get back to the basics and start a new routine. Sounds simple when reading, but I think I will be reminding myself every day to develop a routine that works for my husband and myself. Trial and error, here we come!
What word will you choose this year to go along with your goals? Please tell me in the comments below.
© 2016, Jena Fellers. All rights reserved.
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