What is your word for 2023? Don’t have one? Think it’s trite, silly, or you say, “what’s the use”? Keep reading.
Finding your word or phrase for 2023 can help guide your every action, decision, response, and goal for the year. It will help you reach your goals, stay on track, put aside distractions and build confidence.
Studies show that “a single word has the power to influence the expression of genes that regulate physical and emotional stress.” The study by Dr. Andrew Newberg and Mark Robert Waldmen suggests that positive words impact our frontal lobes, help make us more productive, and change how we see ourselves and others.
Is it any wonder that the Bible is replete with warnings about the words we use?
For example:
- “Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose.” Proverbs 18:21 (The Message).
- “What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.” ~Matthew 15:11 (NIV).
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“So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!” James 3:5 (NIV).
Can one word make a difference? Sure, when you choose a word for 2023, though, it should align with your identity — who you are.
My word for 2022 was INTENTIONAL. I tried to apply it to my decisions and goals for the year. The word intentional is an adjective, but I wanted to use it as an action verb along the way too. One of the best books I’ve read — ever — is Intentional Living by John Maxwell. That book is chock full of things that helped me in 2022 and remains on my desk as a reminder for 2023. Even though I became distracted at points or took a detour here and there, having my word posted in a prominent place would catch my attention and get me back on the road.
Throughout the year, I became more intentional in life, relationships, finances, business, health, and values. Did I succeed 100%? Of course not, but my word kept me on the course more often than not. And I’m better today for it.
Here are the advantages of your word for 2023.
KEEPS YOU ON TRACK. We all get distracted and need to be reminded. Place your word in a prominent place — maybe several places — like your desk, your car, your wallet or purse, your Bible, or your refrigerator.
GIVES YOU CONFIDENCE. Put your word into affirmations. Remind yourself daily about your word and say it out loud. For example: Today, I will be intentional (creative, healthy, grateful, and focused).
REMOVES THE LIMITS. When the naysayers come, you will build strength and remind yourself daily that you can do this.
MAKES TOUGH DECISIONS EASY. If you’ve aligned your word with your identity and values, it will help you make those tough decisions. In essence, you are making decisions now in a well-thought-out process instead of in the emotion of the moment.
DOWNLOAD A LIST OF WORDS TO CHOOSE YOUR WORD FOR 2023.
My word for 2023: THRIVE. The dictionary says this about my word:
- to prosper, be fortunate, or be successful.
- to grow or develop vigorously; flourish.
And I’ve already learned something. Throve and thrive are derivatives of THRIVE, so at the end of the year, I want to say I throve in 2023, and I believe I will have thriven too!
Download our list to help you find your word. Take some time with it, then put it to work to direct your mission and your steps in 2023.