Many of us each year decide on a word that will be their focus for the year and part of the #oneword365 project. Others don’t subscribe to this idea but for the last few years I have, and to date, my most influential word has been my 2018 selection – ‘Thrive’. I’ve also tried to find ‘Balance’ in 2016 and to ‘Simplify’ my life in 2017.
And so, as 2018 came to a close and I read about others who had chosen their ‘word’ I could not think of one that really resonated with me and I was almost not going to bother until….
My Eureka Moment! I was not content with only one word!
I was laying in bed, awake at 3am. Thoughts swirling through my mind, reflections on my achievements this year and thoughts about the future. I achieved a number of goals this year including running my second full marathon. That took commitment.
I also started thinking about the approaching New Year and what I wanted for my life. My thoughts started to turn to resolutions and how I need goals but having a longer term plan of growth and self-development was more important to me.
And there it was. The two words just came to me and I knew that after my year of thriving, which I wanted to continue, these words were the perfect addition to help me thrive.
Could I have two words and not just one to focus on?
Of course, I could. There are no rules to this and both words interlink so well with each other and my focus on thriving. I knew I wanted to be greedy and focus on both.
So with full fanfare……
‘Commit’ & ‘Evolve’ are my ‘two’ words for 2019
The Cambridge Dictionary defines ‘Commitment’ as:
a willingness to give your time and energy to something that you believe in, or a promise or firm decision to do something
The Cambridge Dictionary defines ‘Evolution’ as:
a gradual process of change and development:
As you can see these words by definition, compliment each other and I’m excited to have them as my focus.
The ‘Evolution of Sue’
In my recent post, New Year Evolution not Resolutions I wrote about how I was going to focus on evolving by:
- growing as a person,
- living & appreciating each day,
- treating others with love and respect and
- being the best person I can be.
I look forward to 2019 with enthusiasm as I Commit, Evolve and Thrive!
Won’t you join me on a journey of self-discovery and growth?
If you are happy with your life – that is wonderful just keep doing what you are doing. If you aren’t happy, forget the pressure of resolutions and discover how I’m going to work on a long term life plan and the ‘Evolution of Sue’.
52 Comments
Fabulous selection of your word of the year Sue, they both follow on well from your year of Thriving! Looking forward to seeing how the year unfurls for you.
Hi Deb! Yes, I surprised myself actually. I originally had settled on commitment and then evolve happened so I thought ‘why not, two words are okay’. I’m not sure where I will go with them but it will be fun discovering. xx
Hi Sue, Commit and Evolve seem perfect for your words of the year. Looking forward to following along with you on your evolution
Hi Jen, yes I was pleased when I finally thought about the words. I had originally started with Commitment but then also found Evolve which I felt combined well with Thriving. Let’s see where it takes us. Happy New Year !! xx
Thank you for this post, because it’s got me thinking. Evolution has never been a problem for me, but commitment certainly has. So maybe it’s time for me to start working on that.
Hi Tom, Commitment is a hard one and although I usually am committed when I make up my mind to do something, lately I’ve found I’ve been lacking. As for evolving I suppose I do that but there are many ways I want to develop and explore so hopefully I’ll enjoy the person I become. Happy New Year and thanks for stopping by to comment. xx
Hi, Sue – ‘Commit’ and ‘Evolve’ are wonderful word choices. As you know, ‘Evolve’ also chose me for this new year. I very much look forward to reading your thoughts and development with these new areas of focus. Wishing you a wonderful year ahead!
Hi Donna! Isn’t it wonderful that we chose the same word? Someone else I know has chosen Commitment so I am excited to see how you both relate to the words you have chosen. I’m looking forward to reading your thoughts and I’m sure I will learn from you as I always do. Happy New Year and I’m on the countdown to September and our meeting xx
Love your selection of words for 2019, Sue…I know you will take them to heart and share your experiences with readers. You are truly an inspiration!
Happy New Year, Candi and I’m pleased you like my word selection. I’m not actually sure where they will take me but I hope we can all learn together and have some fun along the way. Thank you for your lovely words of encouragement and have a beautiful day. I’m looking forward to reconnecting with all of my blogging friends for another year. xx
You’re right – no rules set in stone! Last year I couldn’t narrow my choices down to only one, so I went with authentic, action and joyful. This year I was debated among several possibilities, and settled on a phrase instead ‘Look for the good in every day.’ Seven words, but it’s what I need to focus on right now.
I love the two you picked – commit and evolve. Perfect choices to head into a new year with!
Hi Trisha and Happy New Year! I love your phrase and what a perfect focus for 2019. Perhaps one word is not enough sometimes and we just need to go with what is best for us. I’m wishing you a fabulous 2019 and looking forward to connecting again through blogging after the Festive Season is now done and dusted for another year. xx
I love those words, Sue – and I have some serious committing and evolving to do myself in 2019. I’ll be looking forward to your articles this year.
Thank you, Toni. I would be interested in having a chat with you about how you are feeling at the moment. I’m not sure where my words will take me but hopefully we can all enjoy the journey together. xx
You’re so rebellious having two words. Love it. Great words too.
You make me laugh, Leanne! I did feel a little bit rebellious though and now I find people are actually using phrases so I’m not that rebellious at all! xx
Why settle for one word when two says it so much better? I’m about evolving this year – changing small habits and building on those, month after month.
Hi Joanne, yes I’m wanting to just make small changes and build on those. I don’t have any huge goals this year but we have booked our Cruise of Alaska and Rocky Mountains Tour so excited about that! x
I love your choice of words Sue – and it’s funny that you used the word “greedy” in your explanation because I used the same word when I described my choice for of “More” for 2019. I often smile to myself when we sync up on something. I’m looking forward to seeing where you go with your words and I know 2019 is going to be a great year for both of us – I feel change in the wind! Happy new year and happy words of the year my friend xx
Hi Leanne, we are always in sync aren’t we? I just couldn’t decide so thought ‘why not?’ now I see people actually using phrases! I’m looking forward to reading MORE of your posts and how you focus on MORE. That isn’t greedy by the way, it is just taking from life what is due to you. xx
What wonderful words Sue. Both so strong and positive and full of good energy and intent for the year ahead. Keep thriving and smiling lovely you. I wish you a wonderful year ahead. xx
Thank you, Miriam, I feel comfortable with the focus that these two words will bring to my life. Wishing you every happiness during 2019 and look forward to reading more of your inspiring thoughts. xx
Thanks so much Sue. Here’s to a wonderful and inspiring year for both of us. xx
Why have one word when you can have two?! I love the idea of evolution rather than resolution and I look forward to following your journey!
Hi Sammie! Yes, I felt a little rebellious LOL:) Happy New Year and I hope you have a fabulous 2019. xx
Sue – I think your two words work well together – you are committed to evolving. I’m looking forward to watching your journey along the way.
Thanks Janet. Until the last few days of 2018 I had no idea that I would have a word, let alone two for 2019. It must have been meant to be so I’m looking forward to where the focus on these two words will take me. Happy New Year xx
Exciting choices for 2019, Sue! Looking forward to sharing your year of commitment and evolution with you.
SSG xxx
Thanks SSG and I’m excited that you will be joining me. Will you be committing to a fun run this year? My first will be the RACQ International Women’s Day Run in March. Have a fabulous 2019 xx
Happy New Year, Sue! This is a lovely inspiring New Year post and your choice of words is great…my own is going to be positivity for so many reasons. You know that i love your writing and I am sure that your evolution will be inspiring! I have nominated you for the Versatile blogger award and shared one of your posts on my regular “Monday Magic” feature – find details for the award here: https://painpalsblog.com/2019/01/06/old-year-new-year-and-being-a-versatile-blogger/. It would be lovely if you join in, but don’t feel you have to – either is cool! Claire x
Happy New Year to you Claire and thank you so much for your nomination. I’m thrilled and will definitely check out your blog post. Have a wonderful 2019 and I’m always happy to hear that someone has been inspired by my writing. xx
Hi Sue – You’ve chosen two wonderful words. I look forward to reading your thoughts in these focus areas. Wishing you a happy and healthy 2019! #MLSTL
Thanks Natalie, I didn’t know what my word(s) would be until the last few days of 2018. I’m excited at the thought of where they will take me. Happy New year to you my friend. xx
Those are two fantastic words that are even more powerful together! Coincidentally, I also landed on two words myself: Build and Create. Because Build sounds a bit onerous and to me, Create softens it in a fun way. Cheers to our 2019 words!
Hi Mary and welcome to my blog. Until the end of 2018 I had no idea what I wanted to focus on in 2019 and then these two words just hit me. It was meant to be. I love your two words and will be following your blog through 2019. Great to connect with you! xx
I love the concept of the word of the year and I’ve done this previously but I just can’t decide so maybe I’ll choose two words to!
Farmers Wifey x
I too have more than one word this year! My words are Confidence , Connection and Community . Loved the post! Very encouraging.
I love all of your words Heidi and they fit perfectly together. Lovely to connect with you and hope to learn more about you and your blog during 2019. Happy New year and thank for stopping by to leave a comment. xx
I love the words you chose for the new year, Sue! You set such a great example for all your readers to follow. I look forward to more inspiration from you in your future posts.
Thank you for your kind words, Christina and congratulations on your Liebster Award. I look forward to reading more of your blog in 2019. Happy New Year! xx
Commit, Evolve and Thrive – Wow! For someone like me who is just terrible at sticking to things, this would be lofty aspirations indeed. But I know you better and this could be your best year yet with inspiration like this. You really do set a good example to us all, and I pale into your shadow. But I’m learning from you 🙂 I hope 2019 is full of all good things for you and Sizzling Towards 60 and hope that maybe it’s the year we get to meet up in person. Shared on SM too x
Oh Jo you have all of these traits already. You make me feel good to know that I can inspire others especially people like you who are inspiring to me. I love your fashion, writing and travel and following you on Instagram and FB. Have a fabulous New Year, and wouldn’t it be lovely to meet IRL one day. xx
Such a great way to look at choosing the words. I have spent more time on this than ever which is why my post is not ready till next week’s optional prompt.
I do think we can start the year with great gusto and positivity but somewhere when things go awry or we mess up, we need to both understand and forgive this.
I hope my post makes since by the time I publish it on Monday.
Thank you for linking up to the first week of 51 for #lifethisweek in 2019. Next week, the optional prompt is “Word, Intention,Nothing” …I have all three (joke!) and will blog over the weekend about why. Denyse
Thanks Denyse, I had a moment of inspiration! I’m looking forward to your post on Monday as you have me intrigued now!!! Have a great week and see you at your link up. xx
SENSE…not since!!
[…] I learnt this idea from Sue from Sizzling Towards Sixty and when she wrote about it and the word she’s chosen (although she did cheat and choose – rules are made to be broken!) Choosing a word can focus […]
Never thought of 2 words! I guess I’m not supposed to have two:) I like your 2. and kudos to you for that marathon!!
http://www.mels2ndact.com
Hi Melanie, well I thought of one and then the other came along so I thought, why not? Have a fabulous weekend and thanks for stopping by to comment. I would love you to be a contributor to my Over 50 & Thriving series so if you are keen, let me know and I can send you the details. x
Nice words Sue! Yeah I agree, sometimes one word does that trick, other times, it doesn’t. I went with intentions this year and an overall motto using those. Have a wonderful 2019!
Hi Sanch! Yes I’ve even seen now people using phrases. I’m sure it is whatever works for us to help us grow and have focus. Intention is such a good word and a wonderful way to try and live. Have a fabulous weekend and thanks for stopping by. xx
Your “Word Choices” are fantastic! I love it! Especially that Evolve word! I chose “Adventure” for this year! I don’t want to miss opportunities to really get out there and live!
Hello Amy and thank you for stopping by to comment! I was surprised that the words eventually came as it was not until the last week of 2018 that I had any idea of what they would be. ‘Adventure’ sounds like a great word. I must follow your blog to follow your adventures! Have a fabulous weekend and looking forward to connecting more with you. x