Well, we’re nearly through the first quarter of 2018, and I’m just sitting down to write about my word for the year. I chose a word last year but didn’t stick with it. I can’t even tell you what it was!
In January, I start seeing posts from some of my most motivated and accomplished friends, mostly women, business owners, mompreneurs, corporate sales managers, stay-at-home moms, work-from-home moms, and more. They are all choosing a word of the year and sharing the reasons why they chose their word. Choosing a word helps to set intentions for the year and helps create clarity and focus.
As soon as I chose my word, I began seeing it frequently. It appeared in my bible study, I saw it in the grocery store, on shirts in the department store, on candles, even at my daughter’s gymnastics gym. But then, my focus on the word dwindled. I wasn’t intentionally incorporating it into my thoughts. I stopped seeing it and it started to fade. This must have been exactly what happened with the word I can’t even remember from last year!
I am a self-motivated person and spend a lot of time on personal development by spending time in God’s word, practicing yoga, meditating, and journaling. This morning, it occurred to me my focus on my word was starting to decline. So, here I am, sharing my word of the year with you for accountability and support.
Without further adieu, I introduce my 2018 word of the year, BELIEVE.
According to Merriam-Webster, to BELIEVE is to “accept something as true, genuine, or real.” It is having “a firm conviction as to the goodness or ability of something.” The power of belief is a mighty one. One of my favorite quotes is from Henry Ford, “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.”
Here are three ways to practice the power of belief:
1) Change Your Mindset
Practice positive thinking. Come from a place of growth. You know the familiar children’s story, “The Little Engine That Could?” Like that! “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can!” Just because you have never done something doesn’t mean you never will. Set your intentions. Focus. Get rid of negative self-talk. Can’t, won’t, or never should be eliminated from your vocabulary. Don’t fix your mind and stop. Keep growing!
2) Visualize Your Goals
What does your perfect day look like? From sun up to sun down, how do you spend your time? What is your dream job? Who are your friends? Where do you live? A recent article in Forbes gives a few tips for visualization: know what you want, describe your vision in detail, start visualizing and create the emotions, take daily actions, have grit and persevere. Check out the full article here.
3) Recite Positive Affirmations
Some of my current affirmations are:
- I walk the walk by learning from His word.
- I practice self-care because I am worthy.
- I am a patient and loving wife and mother.
- I am a positive and influential leader within my community.
- I am changing lives daily through health and fitness.
- I have purpose and value.
It’s that simple! You just gotta BELIEVE! In 2018, I believe. I believe in love. I believe in happiness. I believe in fulfillment. I believe in positivity. I believe in unity. I believe we are all better together.
If you want something you have never had, never done, or never been, you have to change your mind set, because the great…BELIEVE.
I’ll leave you with this motivational video. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!
Michele Harbin- This Little Light 