Two years ago I found out about a different way to do New Year’s resolutions from a young adult author I like – Heather Demetrios. I never really liked the idea of New Year’s resolutions before as no one seemed to keep them. The kinds of resolutions people make (usually to lose weight or get healthy) all seem generic and not very specific or goal-oriented, which is probably why no one seems to keep them. But then I heard about picking One Word for the New Year.

This word should be something to guide you throughout the year, and you can create a kind of inspiration board about the word. These are my words for the last two years.

For 2015 I picked the word Change. I had a lot of changes happen in my life that year—graduating college, moving out from home, getting baptized, and getting married—and I wanted to make sure I was ready for all of those changes. I picked Grow in 2016 because my life had just undergone a ton of changes and I wanted to make sure I grew in all of my identities—as a writer, as a wife, and as a Christian.

For your inspiration board, you can pick quotes, images, Bible verses, and song lyrics that inspire you. I use a 12in by 12in piece of scrap paper and then decorate it with my images, quotes, and stickers. And then I put it right next to my mirror so I see it each and every day. I think this is the most important part—look at it each day. At least read one quote or verse off of it every morning so you are ready for the day.

Picking one word instead of making traditional resolutions helps me stay focused on the one goal I want to achieve for the year. And 2017 is going to be Joy. I’ve undergone a lot in the last couple years, and I want to make sure I make time to be joyful. I want to continue to grow in all of my roles, but be joyful in doing so. I want to find joy even when times are hard. And I want God to be at the center of my life and my joy. This is my word inspiration board for this year. I encourage you to make one for yourself.