Setting a One-Word Goal for Achieving Your Dreams

The new year may seem miles away by now, but it happened more recently than you might realize! Whether you started the year with some solid resolutions, or wanted to get your health on track by exercising more, you may have reached a point where you need to reassess and re-motivate.

You don't need a long-winded list of highly detailed goals though - sometimes one word is enough!

How to Set a One-Word Goal for Achieving Your Dreams

First, find a quiet space where you can clear your mind.

Before diving in with finding your one-word goal, let the craziness of the day settle down. Go for a long walk (without music), or find a park bench at which to sit and meditate. Go to a coffee shop and enjoy winding down with a hot cup of tea with steamed milk, no distractions. Clear your thoughts so that you can focus on the goal at hand.

Grab a pen, your favorite journal, and start jotting.

Now that you're calm and clear-headed, start writing down any goals that come to mind. Let the writing come as you think, and try not to edit as you go - just let the ideas freely flow out from your brain to the pen and paper. Write as long as you need to.

Look back at your goals, and associate any feelings and emotions.

Asses each intention one by one. How do you feel when you read what you wrote? Does one excite you more than another? Does one frighten you more? Does another give you stress or anxiety? How does your heart and body respond? Jot down these emotions beside each one.

Now, think of your family and friends.

Think of the qualities you admire the most in the most loved people in your life. Make a list of at least five people, and write down three characteristics of each that you appreciate and would love to exemplify yourself.

Organize your list.

Now that you have a list of goals, a list of emotions, and a list of admirations - collect them all together. Look across everything you've written and ask yourself if some resonate with you more than others do. Circle them, and then write the strongest sections of all three lists down on a new sheet of paper.

Find your word.

Looking at your new list, come up with an action verb (a verb that expresses a physical or mental action) that you believe will help you to reach your dreams. Base your word choice on your instinct, a your best understanding with what it will take to overcome any fears.

If it doesn't help, find a new word!

You don't have to get it right the first time. Try out the word for a few days, and see if it helps whenever you reach a roadblock. If it doesn't, go back to your list and begin again. If it does provide a positive pathway and ends up moving you forward, that's a good one.

Make it your mantra.

Take this word and write it on a sticky note. Put it on your refrigerator or mirror, and repeat it whenever you have a moment of weakness. This word should give you strength and motivation. The mind is a powerful tool, and staying positive is a key component.

The important takeaway is that everyone has to find their own happiness in life, and the adventure along the way is a big part of that. Find an intention, stick to it, and always keep learning and growing!

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[Credit: Kellner, Lindsay. "How To Set A One-Word Intention For The New Year." Mind Body Green]