One Word 2016: Do

Updated on June 12, 2024

One Word 2016: Do. I am sharing all about my one little word that I have chosen to guide me through the upcoming year.

For the past several years, I have chosen one word to help guide me throughout the year. Instead of making vague resolutions, I choose one word that helps to inspire me to do and be a better person. In years past, I chose the words focus (2013), happy (2014), and create (2015). I think long and hard about what I want to work on to be a better person.

It isn’t often easy to narrow it down. The word that kept coming up for me over and over again this year is consistency. I am an expert procrastinator. And, although I am excellent at making lists, I am not always great at following through. So, each time I set up a new system of trying to get my house organized or on a cleaning schedule, a work from home schedule, a routine with the kids, or pretty much anything else in my life, I would do great for a few days or even a few weeks and then I would fall back into my old habits of being overwhelmed and feeling like there is never enough time.

I am also a perfectionist. This can be debilitating at times because I often have the mindset that if I can’t do something perfectly, then why even bother doing it at all. I get stuck before I even start because I get bogged down by details. And then, often instead of just doing it and, at least, accomplishing something, I end up doing nothing.

I originally thought my word would be consistent. But really, more than anything I just need to do. Is there laundry to be done? Just do it. Is there a blog post that I need to finish (or start)? Just do it. Does a plant need to be watered? Do it. Are my kids asking for me to play with them? Do it. Is the bathroom dirty? Clean it. Are there dishes in the sink? Wash them. Does a movie need to be returned? Return it. Want to have a date night? Plan it.

This may be obvious to most of you and, in reality, it is to me, too. But working from home, being a mom, a wife, a friend, a sister, a daughter, a maker, a business owner – all of these things are pulling at my time. And since I love to procrastinate, I easily get overwhelmed by a never-ending to-do list. Add in a tendency towards depression and you get a person frozen with inaction. 

So, how am I going to put my word of the year into action? (No pun intended!)

• If I see something that needs to be done that will take me less than five minutes to complete, I will simply do it right at that moment, instead of adding it to my mental to-do list.
• I will keep a basket or bin by the front door of things that need to go out – movies, books, returns, bills, etc. – and be sure to put the basket in my car when I go run errands – right in the front seat where I can see them.
• I will be intentional about my time while the kids are at school so I can be more successful in my business. I will be at least one week ahead of all work due. This will help with the stress of last minute things coming up (as they always do).
  • This is also part of the reason it has been a little slow around here on the blog. I have been enjoying my family over the holidays, and working hard to get ahead for the new year.
• I will make time to take care of myself, so I can be the best person I can be, for myself and for the people I care about.
• I will focus on a few simple changes each month in all the important areas of my life – self, family, work and home. Once I have that mastered, I will move on to adding another “good for me” habit. 
• I have already written out big goals for all areas of my life. I then broke them down into smaller steps needed to get me there. No vague resolutions, but concrete steps to make this the best year yet! 

Do you choose one word for the year? Tell me about it in the comments.