At the end of the year, I came across something called “One Word 365” on Twitter. I explored what it meant. Everyone picks a word relating to their own journey, a word they need to practice. The point is to not just set resolutions for the new year, but to be stretched in new ways. The word should inspire and encourage growth.
I pondered a few days before I officially chose a word. I had to make sure it was the right word. I thought about intentional, action, and run. Another word remained in the front of my mind. Focus. I continued to return to the idea of focusing, and FOCUS seems to incorporate my other options.
Focus involves purpose.
I want to be intentional about dedicating the year to working towards writing goals. Last year I started to take steps to chase my dream. I said yes to blogging and found great online communities for writers. At first I didn’t want to post regularly, but I slowly saw the value in consistent writing. Memoir Mondays launched in November.
Focus involves planning.
As a writer, I have not learned to plan well yet. I’m still figuring out my action plan. The bigger picture is writing a book; the everyday is creating an outline and finding stories to post on the blog each week. I can work on the book, but I have to remember it doesn’t begin with typing out a full manuscript. Writing in recent months has taught me it begins with sharing words now, building the momentum, and gaining further direction as I go.
Focus involves pursuing.
It is an active pursuit of the work. I will no longer simply walk through my days; I will run after dreams. I will run after these things I love. And in order to make progress, I have to think about the long term and focus on completing a few tasks each day. Otherwise I am floating and flitting between projects or putting tasks off until tomorrow.
I didn’t only agree to choose a word for 2014. Before the new year arrived, I heard of two challenges that I knew I needed to join. I hesitated a little because one didn’t offer much information. Jon Acuff posted a short notice seeking “Adventurers” and this intrigued me. I soon found out he wanted to initiate “30 Days of Hustle”. Jeff Goins created the other challenge called “My 500 Words”, encouraging others to write at least 500 words a day throughout the month of January.
These challenges excited me and I wanted to be a part of groups that would help hold me accountable. I signed up and awoke to the new year with an eagerness to see what I could accomplish in one month.
Maybe I’m starting to learn what it means to be brave and what it means to jump. Either way, I will gladly keep learning to move forward with courage.
2014. This is the year for focusing. I’ve already written over 2000 words in four days and my action plan is here to stay. I will prepare for my days and write with FOCUS.
I am excited for you, Laura. Thank you for sharing your enthusiasm and your resolve. This year my work is turning more to visual art. I am glad we are on this journey together. I love that you’ve already wrangled over 2000 words onto the page this year. Keep it up!
Thanks so much! 🙂 I’m excited to see your journey unfold even more as well. Now I need to go practice focusing and write my words for the day. 😉
Well done, Laura! Focus is a great word. A couple of years ago my word was Forward and it went hand in hand with focus. That year I came across this verse: Thought you might like it. “So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it.” Phil 3:15-16 Message
Forward is a great one, and that is what I want to do…move forward with focus! Thank you, Eileen. 🙂 What an awesome verse! Thanks for sharing!
Sounds like the perfect word has found you. It will mist certainly help you through thus first month. Well done!
Thanks, Amy! I’m excited to see what this year brings as I learn to focus. 🙂
Laura it should be my word too, that and being productive. Good luck with focusing on what needs to be done.
Yes, jump in with me, Kath! I’m hoping focus will lead to productivity. What can I do to help you along the way? Feel free to tell me how I can help specifically and we can continue to encourage each other. 🙂
This was wonderful, Laura. I am looking forward to reading your words everyday:)
Thanks, Sally! And thank you for the comment! 🙂