No More Resolutions | Why I Choose 3 Words for the New Year
Each January, many of us feel the pressure to make New Year’s resolutions. We set big, bold goals like “exercise every day” or “spend less money,” but studies show that most resolutions fail by February. I used to fall into the resolutions trap too! “This year I’ll eat more veggies” - “This year I’ll drink more water” - “This year I’ll read my Bible every day”. And every time mid-year I’d completely forgotten what my resolution even was!
Instead of setting yourself up for frustration, there’s a simpler, more effective approach to guide your year: choosing three words.
Picking three words instead of a single resolution gives you flexibility, direction, and focus throughout the year. Here’s why it works — and why it might just be the refreshingly simple approach you’ve been looking for.
In this post I’ll cover:
The 5 Reasons I Ditched Resolutions
Why 3 Words Can Help Inspire Your New Year
How to Choose Your Words
1. Three Words Give You Flexibility, Not Pressure
Resolutions tend to be rigid and goal-focused. If your resolution is to “go to the gym every day,” missing even one day might feel like failure. With three words, however, you’re not creating strict rules; you’re setting intentions.
For example, if your words are “health,” “balance,” and “creativity,” there are many ways you can live those values throughout the year. You’re not bound to specific actions, so even if life gets busy or your schedule changes, you’ll still have a guiding framework. It’s about staying inspired rather than stressing about perfection.
2. They Give You Direction in Multiple Areas of Life
A resolution usually focuses on just one part of your life, like health or finances. But we’re more complex than a single goal, and that’s where three words shine. They give you room to grow and focus in different areas.
Imagine if you chose “joy,” “simplicity,” and “growth.” These words could apply to family, work, personal wellness, and more. You’re creating a holistic guide for how you want to show up in all aspects of life, not just one. This makes it easier to weave your intentions into daily routines, creating meaningful impact without feeling overwhelmed by a single, large goal.
3. Three Words Keep You Inspired All Year Long
The problem with resolutions is that they can feel stale after a while. You lose interest or motivation, especially if progress isn’t immediate. But when you choose three words, they stay fresh and relevant.
Your words are there to check in with and remind you why you’re doing what you’re doing. If you start to feel uninspired in March or April, you can revisit your words and ask, “How can I bring more of [word] into my life right now?” They can offer a new perspective and keep you motivated when you need it most.
4. They’re More Personal and Meaningful
Resolutions often revolve around external goals, like “lose 10 pounds” or “pay off debt.” But three words are about how you want to feel and who you want to become, which can make them far more meaningful.
Choosing words like “courage,” “calm,” or “connection” adds a layer of depth to your intentions. You’re not just working toward an outcome; you’re shaping the person you want to be. It’s a shift from “I should do this” to “I want to be this,” which creates a deeper, more lasting impact.
5. They Help You Stay Present, Not Just Focused on the Future
Resolutions often focus on a specific outcome, which can lead to a “someday” mentality — someday you’ll lose weight, someday you’ll be financially stable. But three words are meant to guide you in the present moment, keeping you grounded in what matters today.
With three words, you’re reminded to bring intention into your daily choices, rather than waiting to reach some end goal. If one of your words is “gratitude,” for example, you can practice it every day in small ways, like journaling or appreciating the little moments. This keeps your goals from feeling distant and allows you to find joy in the journey.
How to Choose Your Three Words
The beauty of this approach is that you don’t need to have all the answers to pick three words. Consider what you want more of in your life or what’s missing. Think about values you want to embody or qualities you want to strengthen.
Write down a few words that resonate, then narrow it down to three that feel inspiring and meaningful. Remember, there’s no right or wrong choice; the words should feel like a natural fit for where you are right now.
Funny Story: The year I got pregnant with my twins my words were: Family, Strength & Change. I had no idea why those words popped into my head at the time. But the minute the doctor told us we had two heart beats about 2 weeks after the New Year I knew exactly why those were my words! Nothing changes your family more than twins. And wow do you need strength to carry them to term, to give birth to them, to survive the first couple of days, months … well you get the picture!
The Takeaway: Let Your Three Words Guide Your Year
Choosing three words for the New Year is more than just a refreshing change from the resolution cycle. It’s an empowering way to shape your year with intention and flexibility. Instead of focusing on a finish line, you’re creating a mindset and lifestyle that grows with you.
So this January, let go of resolutions that feel limiting, and choose three words that bring purpose, joy, and inspiration to your days. You might just find that by year’s end, those words have helped you become more of who you want to be.
