For the past two years, my word has been “do.”
It’s a word I considered keeping again this year because it’s served me so well. But, the truth is, it’s served me so well and inspired me to do so much, frankly, I’m exhausted.
I know I will always continue to keep doing because I’ve learned the power of that word and have really loved where it’s taken me. But I thought I should hone in and improve on it for 2015.
So I’m actually going with the word “improve.”
My first instinct was “transform” but, as my daughter pointed out, be careful what you wish for. If you’re not very specific with what you send out into the universe, it can backfire. And I think, this past year, I’ve transformed in a few ways I don’t like very much so I need to transform back. I need a positive transformation!
I think “improve” is pretty clear and there’s definitely lots of room for me to be successful with that word. I want to improve my organizational skills, my body, my attitude, the way I run my business, the way I treat the people I love.
I have to admit I’m not thrilled with the word itself. It’s not pretty or spiritual, and it’s got a New Year’s resolution-y feel about it. Plus, it kind of sounds like I’m being yelled at. “Improve!”
But, for me, at this time of my life, it’s the right word.
I’m hoping that it will help me “do” things better.
And that would be an improvement.
What’s your word this year? Why did you choose it?
Carolann says
My word is “delete” – delete negativity, toxic people, bad thoughts, worrying, anxiety…and all the nasty stuff that holds me back! Happy New Year to you and yours!
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
I love it. That is such an inspiring word to choose.
sheryl says
how about the phrase “get to”? as in, I get to wake up each morning, i get to eat a proper meal, I get to spend time with my family, I get to read books every moment of every day, i get to enjoy a wonderful life in America’s finest city……the list could go on and on,,,,,
Happy New Year! and may you “get to” continue to do all these things and more!
blogqueendiane says
Love that idea! Now there is some positive thinking!! I may adopt that phrase.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
I didn’t choose a word. I actually had never heard of doing that until this year. I have 364 days to come up with one for next year, though 😉
Pam says
I heard about it late last year. I think it’s neat because I never stick to actual resolutions.
Carol Cassara says
No single word, just lots of words for 2015! And I’m happy about that!
Karen D. Austin says
Ah, choosing a single word is good. I’ll have to mull that over for a bit, but peace, simplify, and gratitude are top contenders.
Tam Warner Minton says
Never heard of choosing a word….but I can say that I continue to try and banish negativity from my life.
Sally Prangley says
i love your idea of focusing on a word for the year. My word for the year will be “kindness.” Something I want to practice on the forefront of life and not as an afterthought. Kindness to others, of course, including strangers. And equally important is practicing kindness to myself, something that has been easy for me to forget to do after years of everything life has presented to me. I’ve tended to focus on everyone and everything else but the little (and) big things I can do for myself that make a huge quality of life difference. Thanks for the inspiration, Lois!
Pam says
I haven’t chosen a word for the year yet. (Whoops, procrastinating!) But if I did, I think it would be “success.”
Heather Lawrence says
If I have to chose a word it would be “no”. I take on so many projects that I find myself run down. I also need to stick my guns and remember I don’t have to justify my “no”.
Lesley says
Sounds like a good word. My word is Jesus. To lean on Him and not myself. Good luck with your new word! Here’s to 2015!
Lori O says
I hadn’t thought about doing this until just now when you wrote about it. But a word popped into my mind as I read: accept. So that’s going to be my word for the year. It may sound passive, but accepting what comes, accepting myself for who I am, accepting the people around me for who they are…that’s hard for me. So, yeah. Accept. Thanks for prompting that!
becca says
What a great word. I haven’t thought about doing this but may have to think about a good word for me.
Amber NElson says
I like that word because there is always room for improvement!
Heather D. (@GirlGoneMom) says
Willpower. I just need to stick with everything this year.
Tracie says
I really love the word improve!
I’m still up in the air about mine. There is a word I was thinking about choosing, but I feel like it isn’t quite what I want yet. I’ll get there, though. Or I might just borrow yours! 🙂
Helene Cohen Bludman says
That is a great word, Lois, but as far as I’m concerned you need no improvement. Stay the way you are .xoxo
Kathy Baugher says
This is great insight! I haven’t chosen a word for the year but I love hearing others’ ideas. Happy New Year!
Leenie says
What a great idea. I’ve never thought of having a “word of the year” but I think that improve is a great one. I think that too often people get content in the way they are and we should all focus on improving.
Cathy Chester says
I have to say I’m with Helene. You are perfect in my eyes, my friend.
I know what I want to do, what I have to do this year. But it’s not one word but two ideas. So for now I’ll leave you with that. And, oh, I love this post. It gets us thinking!
Debi @MomOnMars says
Improve seems to be a logical follow up to do. It may not be a sexy word, but it’s definitely clear. And you want to be clear with the universe!
Debbie Denny says
I like your word. Shows we all can continue to learn.
Joanne says
Improve is a great word and it should serve as inspiration for you this year. Mine is #BigSuccess. Happy new year!!!
Kebba Buckley Button says
Thanks for a very thoughtful post. Your daughter is right. We should be careful what we pray for or call in. Never pray for patience, for example. My word is 6 words, Ps 51:10b, “Renew a steadfast/right spirit within me.” May your word be a powerful one for you in this New Year!
Angela says
This is the first year in a while that I haven’t chosen a focus word. You inspired me to give this some thought and come up with something. It’s always a great reminder of goals for the year.
JackieO says
Love the word Improve – It is my ongoing theme. My word for the new year is Intention. In 2015 I commit to Live my life with intention, purpose, confidence and optimism. Thanks for the inspiration!
Tess says
My word is succeed. Love the improve as a word too!
Lori T. says
I love your word. I think it’s one we can all use. We should all strive to be improving some part of our lives. I think for me my word is overcome, overcome everything that has held me back or tried to defeat me because I am more than a conqueror.
Krystal says
I think ENERGY + ENJOY are my words this year. I need to get motivated, eat better foods to energize my mind and body, and enjoy the life I’ve made!
lucy says
This is great post, never thought about a word for the year. I must piggy bank and do a post also, but i love your word improve. Its a word that fits into most everyone’s life. if I had to choose a word it would be perseverance this would be my focus for this year.
Debbie L. says
I like picking a word for each year. Gives me something to think about all year. My word is “patience”. As I get older the more I think patience is the answer. I seem to always do better when I am patience. If it was meant to be it will come.
Cyndie says
I think my new word is going to be : be. Be more proactive on doing the things I enjoy!
Annie {Stowed Stuff} says
Gosh, I’ve never picked a word and I should. I think my word might be “DO”. Does that work? Happy new year!
Censie Sawyer says
Perfect word! We all have areas we need to improve. Good luck and Happy New Year!!!
Leanne@crestingthehill says
I read about having a “word for the year” on another site and loved the idea – great to see it here too. My word for 2015 is “release” ~ basically it is letting go of all the things that upset me or stress me. Releasing worry and moving forward. Thanks for letting me share.
James Oliver says
Mine is INTENTIONAL
Kathryn says
Love this idea! Mine is “discover”…as in discover a new career path, new interests and new places!
Raquel says
It took me a while but I decided that my word is SIMPLIFY this year. I really love having a word to focus on and incoporate into my goals. I like your wrod choice and wish you a very happy and healthy 2015