My Word of the Year: Focus

It’s the start of the new year! Chatter about New Year’s resolutions are everywhere.

I’m not one for resolutions. They box me in. There’s no room for flexibility. But as I step into 2024, I like to consider where I can improve. Things I’d like to accomplish. Dreams I’d like to pursue.

What are my hopes for the new year?

Where’s my focus?

I really struggled with focus in 2023.

With so many things pulling my attention, I found myself less productive than I’d like to be. I was juggling unnecessary things and holding on to things that weighed me down.

This year, my goal is to change that.

I love the idea of choosing a word or phrase of the year.

It’s flexible. It encompasses the emotional, spiritual and physical aspects of my life that I want to improve on.

For 2024, I chose the word Focus.

Interchangeable words for focus:

center, focal point, anchor or heart of the matter

I love the idea of getting to the heart of the matter. Where can I improve? What’s holding me back?

When I looked up the word focus, I resonated with the meaning:

to pay particular attention to

 

It reminded me of the times I’ve studied things under a microscope. After you bring the object into focus, you can see more details.

Have you ever looked at a blade of grass under a microscope? It’s amazing. I recommend!

Okay. Focus.

Considering my word of the year, I plan to focus on one area of my life each month. Take the time to examine that area and understand how I can improve in that area. Make a plan. Then put it into motion.

For January, my focus is prayer. I want to be more focused in my prayer life. In praying for others and praying for myself.

The Bible says: Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God (Philippians 4:6)

I want to do that. I want to make sure I’m taking everything to God in prayer.

 

What about you? What does your New Year’s journey look like? Do you have a word for this year?