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Last Updated on December 6, 2017 by Melanie
Word of the Year 2014 – Self Discipline
I choose a Word for the Year. No, I’m not talking about a word like selfie. Which just happens to be the word of the year by Oxford Dictionaries. No, no, no. That’s not what I’m referring to.
I’m talking about setting aside a half hour of time and declaring a word of the year for yourself.

WHY choose a Word for the Year?
1. We live in a busy, crazy world. It’s so easy to lose focus and get distracted. I am talking as a woman with much experience in this area. We lose focus on our daily routine, our monthly goals, our plans for the house, our workout goals, etc.
2.Because if we see it often it gets our attention back in order. Choose a word. Make it visible. Make it stick. See ideas below.
3. You need a plan. A word is a plan. If you have a word for the year you have a start to a plan. It’s much easier to make weekly, monthly and yearly goals if you have a word as a starting point.
HOW to choose a Word for the Year?
Think about the areas you are currently struggling with. Is it your health? Organization? Relationships? Work?
I would say, choose no more than two areas to work on but preferably only one at a time. Write down the area you are struggling with.
Now, jot down reasons you feel you may stumble in this area. Is it because you need new inspiration? Is it because you are working around too many distractions? Maybe it’s because you’ve set yourself up for failure by not removing temptations.
Post it everywhere. In strange places. In unique places. In ordinary places.
One year I wrote it at the top of every page of my journal in huge capital letters.
Fast forward to May, August and October and write on several days in your calendar. Have it pop up as a reminder on your phone several times throughout the year. Especially for later in the year when the novelty will have worn off.
Ask a friend to text you when he/she sees an inspiration quote on your word.
Create a Pinterest board for your Word of the Year. You can check out mine here.
Post it in places you see a lot:
- Underneath your cash or credit card in your wallet.
- The steering wheel.
- Your bible.
Post in in places you may not look as often:
- Inside the cover of a cook book.
- Place it in the locker at the gym.
- In the glove box.
- Etched in a tree in the backyard.
My word of the Year and WHY.
My word of the year: Self Discipline
And the scripture verses to go along with it:
Hebrews 12:11 NLT No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.
2 Chronicles 15:7 NKJV But you, be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded!
I choose this word because I have a really hard time staying focused throughout the day while the kids are here. With homeschooling one, half day kindergarten for another, and the third I have to get up and out of the house by 8. So I have a mixed up year this year and I’m not even half way done.
It’s been a struggle to stay disciplined and focused on what needs to be done day by day. I sometimes feel as if the day went by in the blink of an eye. I look back and realize how distracted I was and how much time I wasted.
I’m so tired of feeling like I’m just getting by. I’m exhausted when I want a blog post done and somehow it’s 8pm and I’m still working on it.
In order for this to work I’m going to have to make set ‘working’ hours and time slots for what needs done. If I get it down to a science I’ll be sure to share what works for me.
Plain and simple….. I choose this word because it sucks not to be self disciplined. I don’t want to live life in utter chaos. I want to feel like I have a handle on things. I don’t wan’t to be a miserable mother because I wasn’t disciplined to get my work done in the afternoon instead of late at night.
Have you decided on a word for 2014? I’d love to hear if you’ll just share in the comments! Thanks.
Blessings on the beginning of a new year!
Melanie
Linked up to: Living Well Spending Less




Lovely post, makes me think about things and be more supportive and try to work harder. Happy New Year, lots of good luck and cheer to you and your family!
Thanks Pamela! I appreciate you! Glad you stopped by. Happy New Year!
Being self-disciplined is something I struggle with too. If I were to choose a word for the year (guess I am!) it would be FOCUS. I always feel pulled in so many directions. There are so many things I enjoy doing/want to do, but I get overwhelmed. I need to pick just a few things that mean the most to me an focus on them.
I almost used the word focus as well but then decided to go with self discipline. I have to agree with you. So many things I enjoy as well. Yet, I want to pick what matters most and give it my all. Instead of enjoying/doing 20 different things I need to focus on 5-6 and give it my best. Best wishes for the new year Christin!
I just read this on the last day of 2023, and find it very relevant.
As a language student, I had to maintain a rigourous schedule of self discipline to meet me homework deadlines. It’s a challenge, but I found it gets easier with practice. These days, my word of the year is, Keep Learning!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Very nice of you, you found supportive to live for me happy