Of the 44 percent of Americans who made a New Year’s resolution*, how many stick to their goal? The figures vary, but none of them tell a happy story. If you’re like me, you’re tackling 10 resolutions at once and feeling exhausted by the end of January. So, I’m shaking things up this year and trying something different: a one-word resolution. Like the name says, choose one word to focus your energy on and use it to inspire and guide you 365 days a year. (This isn’t a brand new idea, by the way. Google it.)

I first heard about this idea at a Winter Solstice party held by a friend where everyone wrote down one word that they would embrace in 2015. A few of the words that people named included “leadership,” “connection,” “openness,” “Michael Scott.” Yes, the one from “The Office.”

When you think about it, the one-word resolution is ridiculously freeing. Instead of committing to losing weight or “being a better person”--what does that even mean?--there are a million and one ways to accomplish your resolution. Make it yours.

Let’s say your word is “compassion.” Depending on the day, that might mean giving up your seat on the bus or it might mean not beating yourself up about something that really doesn’t matter. Same for “balance” or “sparkle” or even a character from your favorite TV show. I’d even argue that a short sentence works. What about this one? “Let go of anything that you don’t need.” Sounds like a good one to me!

Whether you made a resolution or not, let’s face it: a lot of stuff happens in a year. Highs, lows, growth and setbacks all happen over the course of 12 months. So, why not choose a theme that inspires and drives you as you take on 2015? You might find that you’re pretty good at resolutions after all.  

*Source: Five-Thirty Eight