Illuminira Consulting LLC

Do you create “One word” for yourself or your team, going into the new year or a new endeavor?

The One Word concept

The concept came to my attention a few years ago when a friend suggested reading the book, “One Word That Will Change Your Life” by authors Dan Britton, Jimmy Page, and Jon Gordon. Lots of people talk about lists of resolutions at the start of a new year, in fact for decades I make lists of resolutions each year.  However, “One Word” is more of an ideal to center on, rather than a list of specific goals. You can think of it as a theme that helps one focus; align to; and frame the next 365 days ahead.

Can “One Word” make a difference?

Implementing “One word” (or 2) can be a powerful tool and can help an individual, a group (i.e team or family), or an effort (like an entire project or program) stay on track. It’s even more powerful when you have your “One Word” visibly posted, and occasionally reference it to remind yourself and others (if applicable) what the word is. This type of clarity can really help with “scoping”, decision-making, prioritization, and even mitigating risks.

How does it work?

Here’s are a few steps to try:

• Make a visual that has only your word on it.
• List 3 to 5 bullets defining what the word means to you.
  • This could be the dictionary definition, but I typically include what my word means for my thoughts, feelings, and actions.
• Print, or post or save the visual so that you see it regularly
  • Save the image on your phone and make it your wall-paper
  • Print it out and keep it in your wallet
  • Stick it to you monitor or laptop
  • Make it your screen saver
• If you forget your word, or need to make a decision, or find yourself at a crossroads look at your word to ensure you are acting in alignment to it.

Here’s a personal example. A few years ago, my word was “Elevate,” as in “raise or lift something up to a higher position.” I wanted it to apply to my thoughts, feelings, and actions because those three things essentially influence each other.

For that entire year, I was intentionally conscious about whether my thoughts, feelings and actions were elevated or not. If they were not, I had a plan to make it so. I was also conscious about whether my thoughts, feelings and actions raised and lifted others to a higher position.

A final thought

I personally believe that you can choose your “One Word” at any time of the year – not just on Jan 1. For some, the start of the academic year (August/September) would be a great time, in fact you can even decide on your “One Word” on your Birthday.

Let me know if you try this strategic method to help you, or your team unite around common goals and create clarity of purpose.

Are you interested in “workshopping” to help you choose and implement your ‘One Word’? Feel free to book a complimentary session with me to discuss it!