When I lived in Florida, every winter brought a familiar rhythm—the “snowbird migration.”
Our sleepy beach became packed with sun seekers, parking lots at the grocery store had waiting lines, and houses of worship were full. My neighbors returned. Boats, RVs, motorhomes and hitched trailers rolled in with them.
I was happily living in a retirement community again, catching up with friends on how half of their year had gone. Their presence and energy were noticeable.
With more people came more help. Beach cleanups were packed, volunteers at church Sunday or at the local community garden were brimming with support. Snowbirds were different. They did not just bring traffic; they brought energy, engagement, vibrance and a sense of purpose.
It struck me: this was not random. It was intentional. Every interaction represented a choice, a decision to prioritize lifestyle, connection and joy.
Research shows that intentional focus dramatically improves clarity and results (National Institute of Mental Health, 2023). If this is the case, intentionality can change your life.
Energy Flows Where Focus Goes
I often think of the snowbird lifestyle as I close out a year and prepare for a new one. How do I want to be intentional this year?
Over the years, I have taken different approaches. Earlier on, I would make a long list of resolutions, bound and determined to achieve as many things as I could before the next year’s end. While well-intentioned, my list of 20 ideas, dreams and goals was about 75% complete.
Better than nothing, right?
I left the year feeling neutral, like I had not fully made progress. I was chasing too many things at once without a clear anchor.
I am not alone; most people start the year with vague resolutions that rarely stick. In fact, 87% of adults set New Year’s resolutions, but 50% fail before January ends. Only 9% succeed by year’s end (Statista, 2024).
Why do people fail? They have too many goals and not enough focus.
Neuroscience reinforces this: where attention goes, neural pathways grow. Intentional focus strengthens the brain’s circuits through neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize and adapt. Strengthened brain circuits make desired behaviors more automatic over time (National Institute of Mental Health, 2023).
About 15 years ago, I was exposed to another way. Choosing one word to set the focus for your life in the New Year.
The idea has been life-changing, and I have continued this practice every year since.
The Power of One Word
The practice of selecting one word as a guiding principle for the year comes from Jon Gordon’s book “One Word That Will Change Your Life.” Gordon writes: “If you want to change your life, don’t try to change everything. Just focus on one thing. One word.”
In “Perfectly Yourself: 9 Lessons for Enduring Happiness,” Matthew Kelly echoes in his work, “just do the next right thing.”
Focus on one thing.
I have found this kind of focus to be transformative, for me and for all leaders, team members, friends and family members who have taken on this one-word journey. We define the word to mean one thing, or what we might hope the word will bring in the new year. However, we find that the word reveals, morphs and teaches in ways we least expect. Choosing the word creates a safe space or container for maturity and growth.
Gordon explains the catalyst for growth: “Our words matter. They have power. They shape our thoughts, our actions, and our future.”
Words do not just inspire, but they rewire.
The Brain Science
Neuroscience shows that language physically shapes the brain. When we learn or repeat words, our neurons form new connections, strengthening pathways through neuroplasticity.
- The brain contains 86 billion neurons, each forming thousands of synapses, creating trillions of connections that change based on experience (NIH, 2023).
- Repeated focus on a single concept (like your word of the year) strengthens neural circuits through Hebbian learning: “neurons that fire together, wire together” (Journal of Neuroscience, 2022).
- Negative words trigger the amygdala, increasing cortisol and stress responses, which can impair decision-making and memory (Harvard Health, 2023).
- Positive words activate reward centers, releasing dopamine and serotonin, improving mood and motivation (Psychology Today, 2023).
Your word is biological. The word primes your brain for change, influencing perception, emotional regulation and decision-making.
The Power of a Word
Why does a single word matter? Words carry weight. They influence our mindset and our actions.
A well-chosen word can:
- Focus your energy: Instead of scattering attention across dozens of goals, you channel it toward what matters most.
- Shape your identity: Goals are about doing; words are about being. They answer, “Who do I want to become?”
- Create alignment: Your word becomes a touchstone for decisions, such as, “Does this choice align with my word?”
Over the years, my words have told a story about my growth. I have grown from a high-achieving, strong-willed, productive, former elite athlete to an executive coach and developer of leaders:
- The year of Patience taught me to slow down and trust the process. It helped me listen more, react less, and lead with calm confidence. The year taught me to breathe and put everything in perspective.
- The year of Grace reminded me to lead with empathy and forgiveness. The year softened my approach and strengthened relationships with myself and others. I learned to reflect on the question: Where do I need to give to myself and accept grace from others?
- The year of Pace from last year helped me create rhythm and intentional energy. I learned to manage my time better, protect my margins and avoid burnout. I learned to reflect on the question: Does this need to be done now, and by me?
Each word changed me. The words built focused habits and shaped how
I showed up for myself and others.
How to Choose Your Word
As new motorhomes debut at the Florida RV SuperShow in Tampa, and snowbirds settle into extended stays, now is the perfect time to choose a word that reflects your aspirations for the year—on the road and in life.
If you are ready to join me in this annual tradition, let’s get started.
Choosing your word is about reflection rather than perfection. There is no right or wrong way to do this. I have many leaders who have a general direction of words, select one, and shift their choice over the course of the first quarter.
For me, I spend ample quiet time and commit to letting the word I choose steer my year. The key is to slow down and stay focused on what emerges for you.
Here are some ways to discover the word that will guide your year:
- Reflect: Imagine the end of December next year. Who do you want to be? How do you want to feel? What will it take to get there?
- Meditate: Spend a few quiet minutes focusing on what you need most this year, whether that is peace, courage, clarity, connection or something else. Often, the right word will rise to the surface when your mind is still.
- Read: Pick up a book that inspires you. Notice which words or themes resonate. Sometimes, a single phrase can spark your word.
- Notice: Look for patterns. What recurring words do you keep hearing, seeing, feeling or thinking in daily conversations? Review your journal entries, social media posts or even conversations from the past year. Which words keep showing up? They may point to what matters most.
- Play “Book Roulette:” Choose a book that is meaningful to you. Flip to a random page and read it all the way through. Write down all the words that jump out to you. (If nothing stands out, flip again.)
Review your top contenders list. Which word gives you energy or brings you peace? Once you choose your word, write down your definition and how the word might impact you this year.
Whatever you choose, write the word down, put the word somewhere you will see it, and share the word with others.
Create simple reminders with your word. The word can be on a Post-it in your car. You could set the word as your background on your computer or phone.
Research shows we are 42% more likely to achieve goals when we write them down, and even more likely when we share those goals with others for accountability (Dominican University Study, 2023). Let your word guide your goals, and write them down, too.
Over the years, I have realized that the words we choose are not random. The words reflect core values, personality temperaments and patterns. Words such as Patience and Grace point to aspirational empathy and humility values. Words such as Pace or Focus suggest a preference for structure and intentionality.
When you choose your word, you are uncovering what matters most to you, and that clarity becomes your compass for what “great” looks like for your year.
Whether you are navigating new destinations or new challenges, let your word guide you. Write the word down, share it, and let the word shape your journey this year on the road and beyond.
Let your word change your life. Enjoy a happy and intentional New Year!
Kim Lisiak Fraleigh is the director of leadership development at Lippert. She serves as a leadership coach, trainer and trusted advisor to develop leaders from the front line to the executive.
