I abandoned the tradition of New Year’s resolutions 15 years ago. Instead, I select One Word to focus on. I always look forward to sharing my annual One Word with family and friends, as well as finding out what One Words others select for the coming year.
For only the second time in all these years, I’m repeating a One Word. In 2009, my One Word was forgiveness. I ended up keeping that word for 2010. Forgiveness is too often seen as nothing more than saying a quick and easy, “I’m sorry” and assuming we’re forgiven. Mission accomplished and we move on.
To this day, I’m thankful I took two years to focus on the challenging, life-changing concept of forgiveness.
My One Word for 2020 is listen. I linked my One Word to the Scripture verse, “Everyone should be quick to listen …” (James 1:19 NIV)
It’s intriguing how we’re encouraged to be quick to listen because choosing to listen forces us to stop and laser in on our interactions with others.
So often in the past months, someone else would be talking and I would start to say something and then close my mouth, sit back, and think, “Don’t talk. Listen.”
Other times, someone would begin talking to me and I would put down my phone, or close my laptop, or turn away from the TV, determined to be all ears. (Yes, I went there.)
The more I chose to listen, the more I learned about the person talking to me. The more I understood them.
For the past few months, I tossed around several possible One Words for 2021. I don’t remember any of them. I kept returning to the thought that I needed another year with the word listen.
The power of choosing One Word is to stay with it for 365 days. To focus on one word – gratitude or joy or beauty – and allow it to change your perspective. To change how you live your life.
This past year, I’ve discovered that listening is a powerful ability that changes my relationships with others. I’ve come to value people more as I’ve chosen to listen more and talk less.
For me, listening is an expression of love without uttering a single word.
I decided to choose a new foundational verse for the coming year that would encourage me to listen more and talk less: “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.” (Ephesians 4:29 NASB) It reminds me to offer grace when I do speak – and that listening is a chance to give grace to others too.
What about you? Did you choose One Word for this past year? How has that changed you? What One Word have you chosen for 2021?
Forget New Year's Resolutions and Choose One Word to Focus on in 2021 https://bit.ly/2Iv1WAk Click To Tweet 'Listening is about being present, not just being quiet.' Quote by Krista Tippett https://bit.ly/2Iv1WAk #OneWord #listen Click To Tweet***
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Comments 12
Yes I chose Gratitude but i don’t think I was focused enough on it. I think im going to choose a different word for 2021 and revisit gratitude another time
Author
Gratitude was the first One Word I ever chose! I can’t wait to hear what One Word you choose for 2021.
My Word for 2020 was “whatever”, and it seemed apt or the year that was.
Can a Word define a year,
the journey of the heart?
I think that yes, perhaps it can,
and helps to make a start
for another trip around the sun,
for calendar’s flipped pages
to best become what they become,
a story for the ages
that give year’s passage meaning,
to lend a frame to time
and lead unto a gleaning
of colour within the lines.
My ‘whatever’ 2020 proved,
and my Word for ’21 is “Dude!”
Author
Oh, Andrew: Your words made me smile today … a One Word poem … and a new, “only you!” One Word for 2021.
You can never go wrong with embracing “listen” again. The more I listen, the more I learn and the longer it takes me to reply which generally improves things–a better more-informed reply. I’ll have to consider if I’ll choose a word or not. So far, it doesn’t quite work for me as profitably as it does for you, but I’m open. Hmmm, “open” might be a choice to consider.
Author
Dee: Yes, by listening my replies are often wiser — if I reply at all. Sometimes I discover no reply is needed. Listening has provided its own comfort, it’s own grace.
Beth, this would be my word for 2021 as well. Without getting political, I was surprised by how close the results of the Presidential election were. Clearly, I need to listen to those who voted for the other candidate because I do not understand their choice. My goal for 2021 is to be open and accepting and to listen to truly understand.
Author
Barb: I learn a lot by listening to others. It doesn’t always change my opinions, but it always increases my understanding and my empathy.
I don’t even remember if I chose a word. I looked at the front of my planner yesterday, and I had three mantras for motivation, but no specific words were listed. So your question was perfect in timing.
Author
Denise: Mantras for motivation sound good, too. I’d love to hear if you choose a One Word for 2021.
I’ve chosen a word every year since 2009. My word for 2020 was Pursue. During this year of quarantines and pandemics, pursuing God seemed more important than ever. But no matter our daily circumstances, pursuing God needs to be a priority. My One Word for 2021 is Connect–it came to me while in the shower, and God has affirmed it several times since that internal conversation. Connect with God. Connect with family. Connect with friends. Connect with readers. We were created for relationships and those connections are vital for living our best lives.
Author
Lisa: I’m just seeing your response to last week’s post. I love your One Word for 2021. It’s so hope-filled and yes, we need connections with others.