The lists and compilations of events of the year, accomplishments of the decade, or even, dare I say, notable failures during those times pop up everywhere at this time of the year. The idea of making lists is more than just a “thing” for those living in the 21st century. It’s a compulsion for some, a necessity for others and a nuisance to those who claim they never make lists for anything because they remember everything.

But one list that is traditional at this time of the year seems to be on the “out” side of what’s in and what’s out for the new decade. And that is the list of New Year’s resolutions.

The theory behind the creation of such a list, however long or short, is noble. Our intent is self-improvement, which in and of itself is a good thing. But however good our intentions are in creating such a list, it almost inevitably ends in failure. And at the end of the year, we look back at our resolutions, sigh, and do one of several things: make the same list again, make a shorter list, or make no list at all.

Enter the “word for the year” theory. I don’t even know who started it and or promoted it first, but I encountered it several years ago on a creativity blog that I read regularly. I passed it off as a fad the first year or so, but as I continued to follow the blog, I saw how just one word, a focus word, instead of a list of resolutions, can have a very positive impact on behaviors.

Consider the word “intentional,” which, by the way, I am considering as my word for 2020. Its implications are myriad. To be intentional about the things I read, the things I say, the things I do has great possibilities. It does not mean that spontaneity must leave my life for a year, but rather that I give due consideration to choices that I make.

Other words that came to mind, and that are still on my list of possibilities are “balance,” “create’” “harmony,” “gratitude,” “listen,” and “quiet.” I realize that there is a definite theme running amongst all of these words, but each one has connotations that intrigue me.

Think of the possibilities of a year with any of those words as the driver, the touchstone, the impetus. It’s not like the word hangs over your head like a thundercloud or around your neck like an albatross. No, it’s more of a beacon, a lighthouse, a harbor that you return to multiple times during the year. And when you do, you realize that it is having a positive effect on the choices that you make.

Words are powerful.Having a focus word for the year could be life-changing, in both big and small ways. How do I know this? Because I tried it this past year, and it worked. My word? De-stash.