The Word That Will Walk With You All Year

Choosing a word to guide your year might seem simple, but it holds surprising power. When you pick a word of the year, you set a clear intention that shapes your mindset and actions. This practice helps you focus on what matters most, and as the saying goes, what you focus on expands. Beyond personal growth, sharing your word with others creates a sense of connection and community. Together, we can encourage and support each other’s journeys. This post explores the science behind this practice, connects it with scripture, and highlights how sharing your word builds stronger bonds.

A journal open to a page with the word of the year written in bold letters, surrounded by pens and notes

How Choosing a Word of the Year Shapes Your Mindset

The idea of selecting a word to focus on throughout the year is more than a motivational trend. It taps into how our brains work. Neuroscience shows that when you focus your attention on a specific goal or theme, your brain becomes more attuned to opportunities and information related to that focus. This is called the reticular activating system (RAS), a network in the brain that filters information and highlights what matters to you.

For example, if your word is growth, you start noticing chances to learn, improve, and expand your skills. This heightened awareness helps you make decisions aligned with your intention. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by distractions, your focus narrows to what supports your chosen word.

This effect is similar to how athletes visualize success before a competition. By mentally rehearsing their goals, they prepare their minds and bodies to perform better. Choosing a word of the year works like a mental anchor, keeping you grounded in your priorities.

The Spiritual Dimension of Choosing a Word

Many people find that selecting a word of the year connects deeply with their faith. Scripture offers wisdom about focus, intention, and community that aligns well with this practice.

One verse that resonates is Proverbs 4:25-27 (NIV):

"Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways."

This encourages us to keep our focus clear and steady, much like choosing a word to guide our year. It reminds us to be intentional about where we direct our energy.

Another powerful scripture is Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV):

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together... but encouraging one another."

This highlights the importance of community and encouragement. Sharing your word of the year with others invites support and accountability. It creates a space where people can inspire each other to live out their intentions.

Do you have a word yet?

Practical Steps to Choose Your Word of the Year

Choosing a word might feel overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. Here are some practical tips to help you find a word that truly resonates:

• Reflect on the past year

Think about what worked well and what challenges you faced. What do you want to carry forward? What do you want to leave behind?

• Consider your values and goals

What matters most to you right now? What kind of person do you want to become?

• Keep it simple and positive

Choose a word that inspires and motivates you. It should feel uplifting, not burdensome.

• Test your word

Say it out loud. Write it down. Imagine how it will influence your daily life. Does it feel right?

• Commit to your word

Place it somewhere visible—your journal, phone wallpaper, or workspace. Revisit it regularly to remind yourself of your focus.

Sharing Your Word Builds Stronger Connections

The power of your word grows when you share it with others. This practice fosters community in several ways:

• Encouragement

When you tell others your word, they can encourage you when you struggle and celebrate your progress.

• Accountability

Sharing your word creates gentle accountability. People can check in and help you stay on track.

• Inspiration

Hearing others’ words broadens your perspective and motivates you to keep growing.

• Unity

A shared focus creates a sense of belonging. You realize you are not alone in your journey.

For example, a group of friends or coworkers might each choose a word and meet monthly to discuss how their words are shaping their lives. This simple ritual strengthens relationships and keeps everyone motivated.

Real-Life Examples of Words and Their Impact

Here are some examples of words people have chosen and how those words influenced their year:

• Grace

One person chose grace to remind themselves to be kind to themselves and others. This led to more patience in difficult situations and deeper relationships.

• Courage

Another chose courage to face fears and take new opportunities. This word helped them start a new career and build confidence.

• Balance

Someone focused on balance to improve work-life harmony. They set boundaries and prioritized self-care, leading to less stress.

• Serve

Choosing serve inspired a person to volunteer regularly and support their community, creating meaningful connections.

These examples show how a single word can guide actions and mindset in powerful ways.

Tips for Encouraging Others to Choose Their Word

If you want to share this practice with your community, here are some ideas:

• Host a word of the year gathering

Invite friends or colleagues to pick their words together and share why they chose them.

• Create a word board

Use a bulletin board or online space where everyone can post their words and updates.

• Send reminders

Periodically check in with your group to encourage reflection and sharing.

• Celebrate milestones

Recognize progress and stories of how the words are making a difference.

These simple actions build a culture of support and growth.

Staying Focused Throughout the Year

Choosing a word is just the start. To keep your focus expanding, try these strategies:

• Daily reflection

Spend a few minutes each day thinking about how your word applies to your actions.

• Journaling

Write about your experiences, challenges, and wins related to your word.

• Visual reminders

Use sticky notes, phone wallpapers, or artwork featuring your word.

• Prayer or meditation

Incorporate your word into spiritual practices for deeper connection.

• Adjust as needed

If your word no longer fits, it’s okay to revisit and choose a new one.

The Bigger Picture: We Are Better Together

Choosing a word of the year is a personal journey, but it also highlights a universal truth: we thrive in community. When we share our intentions, struggles, and successes, we create a network of support. This collective energy helps each person expand their focus and live with purpose.

The scripture reminder to encourage one another is a call to action. By sharing your word and inviting others to do the same, you contribute to a culture where everyone grows stronger.