By Nancy Alexander, PT
The turn of a new year is magical. There is something about the calendar change from December 31st to January 1st that makes us take stock in where we are and dream into the future. It may be one of the few times we welcome change. We actually seek it out. We imagine ourselves taking that trip we always wanted to take. We think about taking a new class or maybe even getting a new job to help move us forward. We create a vision in our minds of a future of fun, love and freedom. We don’t see limits, just opportunities. This mindset is powerful. And I’ve learned that one word can be powerful, too.
Recently I’ve heard friends, acquaintances and even clients express their future goals with just one word. They had my attention. Multiple people from separate walks of life found one word to spark their future. “Is this happening all over and I am just finding out about this?” I wondered. They don’t know each other so I know they didn’t get together and decide to do this “one word” thing. I found this interesting and I like what they are doing.
A good friend Joan (names used here are fictitious to protect their privacy) picked a word for 2022 to help stop a habit that she felt was undermining her life. Her word is “pursue.” “This is to help me not procrastinate,” she said. “It’s working,” she added.
I see it working for her. If she says she is going to do something, she no longer waits around. She takes action and does it. Procrastination can be a change killer. And often, it comes from fear of the unknown. And it can come from the fear of failure. It can squash your dreams in their tracts. This is a great word to live by and I applaud Joan for having the courage to embrace it.
One of my clients, Judy, is one of most sincere, kindest, and friendliest people I know. Her belief system is steeped in faith. She is very involved in her church and leads a small bible study group there. I discussed this idea of having a word to guide a process of change in your life. She thought a little bit and said, “I’d pick the word ‘trust’.” While giving me a half-smile she added, “Trust means he’s (God’s) got this. I don’t have to be the control freak I tend to be.”
“Trust” puts Judy at ease and helps lessen the stress in her life. Said another way, trust allows us to let go of the things we cannot control and focus on what we can control. I think we can all learn from Judy and whether you believe in God or the Universe, know that you can share your load and empower yourself to script your future.
Others I know are using one word to embrace change and seek it out, too. With this new awareness of choosing one word to catapult change, I am reminded of a word that kept coming back to me a few years ago when my husband and I decided to downsize. Moving was a huge task but I kept reminding myself of this one word to see me through. My word was, “simplify.” This one word helped me tremendously. We “released” so much useless stuff in our home and that simplified our move. What a lesson that was in just packing up our house. It opened my eyes as to how much needless stuff we actually had. It was a mindset change for me.
It didn’t hurt that my husband said, “We have one pod, that’s it. Keep what you want and we’ll get rid of the rest.” I had to make some choices and it was downright therapeutic. We took the word “simplify” to another level once we got to Florida and went down to one car between us. Surprisingly, it’s no problem at all.
I’ve continued to use this word because it has served me so well. But now, I use it a little differently. You see, I have this habit of taking on too much. I’ve gotten much better at this but I recognize there is still room for improvement. It’s working. I am present more. I am much better at managing my schedule. I have realigned my goals and resigned from my per diem physical therapy position at a local outpatient clinic last August. Now, I have more free time for myself and more time for my own clients. I absolutely love my life and I love what this one word has done for me. So, I still use it. It’s a keeper.
Any day is a good day for change. Even though January 1 has passed on the calendar, the opportunity has not passed for you to make a change. New year, new resolutions. Some make them and some don’t. Many make goals for themselves any time of the year. I am more that person. Either way is okay in my book. It’s bred from a good cause. So go ahead and set your goals and strive to be a better person and to have a better life – anytime.
I suggest thinking it through though. All of these words described above required some soul searching, didn’t they? We identified a trait we had, but recognized that it was not necessarily in our best interest. We had to be honest about those things that we did – on a regular basis – that did not serve us well.
I like the concept of just one word versus a sentence or group of sentences to define what you want to do, be or have. It’s cleaner that way. It’s more to the point. It’s a simple and quick way to remind yourself what to do when you need to take action. Quick is good. There is no time to sit and think it over. The time to act is now.
Do you have a word to help improve your life? If not, give it some thought. What word comes to mind for you? Perhaps journal a few ideas and see which one sticks.
If you do have a word in mind, I’d love to hear about it. Just respond to this blog. Tell others about it too. In a way, that sets you up for success because you have put accountability in play. Others will expect it and will want to know more about it. Accountability is good and can really help you follow-through with your plans. We’ve all heard of resolutions that fizzle out fast and become long forgotten. Don’t treat yourself that way. You are worthy and deserve to aim high. Pick a word and share it with your family and friends. Then put it into action.
These words – pursue, trust and simplify – have made powerful changes in people’s lives. Tap into your power and watch amazing things start to happen. Embrace the success coming your way.