I’m thrilled to have Dan Britton, Jimmy Page and Jon Gordon as my guests today. They’ve been doing One Word since 1999 and together wrote their newly released book, One Word That Will Change Your Life  (Wiley). Dan and Jimmy serve as Vice Presidents for the Fellowship of Christian. They have been best friends and accountability partners after meeting each other at an FCA meeting in 1989. Jon Gordon’s bestselling books and talks have inspired readers and audiences around the world. Jon is an active supporter and volunteer for his local FCA. Here’s what they have to say about finding one word that can change your life:

One Word That Will Change Your Life
by Dan Britton, Jimmy Page and Jon Gordon

“No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” – Philippians 3:13-14 (NLT)

Every New Year, eighty-seven percent of us make New Years Resolutions. It provides us a fresh start and a clean slate. We can’t wait to hit the reset button. We begin with the best of intentions and crank out our list of things to do this year – lose weight, improve our marriage, read a book each month, get a quiet time every morning, achieve a goal, and on-and-on.

Unfortunately, good intentions often meet reality and most of us experience the same frustrating results: false starts and failure. Over fifty percent will fail and quit within just 30 days. And ninety percent will crash and burn by the end of the year! It has been said that the definition of insanity is “doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.” This may explain why despite all of the attention paid to getting healthy – new diets, new workouts, a new you –we just keep getting bigger and unhealthier year after year.

The biggest barrier to life-change is a lack of focus. We try to do too much, get overwhelmed, and then give up. Busyness leaves no time for mission and meaning and makes us stop caring about the things we care about. Clutter destroys energy and creates distractions that derail us. Complexity creates confusion that leads to paralysis.

Back in 1999, we discovered the solution to failed resolutions. We traded in our long lists for the power and simplicity of One Word. By developing a One Word theme for the year, we discovered the secret to life-change. Less is best. The simplicity of focusing on One Word for the year brings clarity, power, and passion.

Paul understood the power of focus. In Philippians 3, he pioneered the idea of focusing on one thing—he put his past behind him and pressed on with focus. Narrowing the focus allows us to keep our eyes on the prize, finish the race, and receive the reward.

Even NFL teams like the Patriots have discovered the power of One Word. In their no-huddle offense, they use just one word for their play calls. That one word tells all eleven players on the field everything they need to know. It creates simplicity, speed, and a virtually unstoppable attack.

So as we begin the New Year, let’s try a new approach. Let’s throw out the endless lists. Let’s focus on One Word. We believe that God has a word that is meant for you. And when you find it, live it, and share it God will bring great life-change, purpose, and impact.

The One Word process has three simple steps – Look In, Look Up, and Look Out.

Step 1 – Prepare Your Heart (Look In) – This is where you take action to unplug from the hectic pace, noise, and clutter. Finding solitude and silence can be a difficult task, but to hear from God it’s essential. There are three key questions to ask God as you look in: 1. What do I need? 2. What’s in my way? 3. What needs to go? As we let God examine our heart, He will give us clarity.

Step 2 – Discover Your Word (Look Up) – This step helps us plug in and listen up to God. Taking time for prayer – that simple conversation with God – is the place to start. Ask Him this question – What do you want to do in me and through me this year? This question will help you discover the word meant for you. Don’t pick a good word; receive a God-word.

Step 3 – Live Your Word (Look Out) – Once you discover the word that is meant for you, it’s time to live it out. Your word will have impact in all areas of you life – physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, relational, and even financial. Keep your one word front and center. Tell your accountability partners and your family your word for the year. Write it in your journal. Post it on your refrigerator. Paint a One Word picture and hang it up where you will see it every day. Talk about it with your family at the dinner table. Do whatever it takes to keep it in focus and keep it fresh.

In 2011, Jimmy’s word was Life. For such a small word, it had a huge impact. Relationships improved as he became more aware of speaking words of life. His food choices got healthier as he focused on eating living foods. Financially, spending less brought less stress (and more life). Spiritually, he realized again and again the importance of starting the day and remaining connected to the Source of Life, Jesus Christ. He even replaced some old, negative patterns of thinking that were preventing him from experiencing abundant life.

So if you want a new you in the New Year, get One Word. God will use that word to bring simplicity, focus and change. You will be amazed at how one word can change your life.

Possible One Word choices to get you started:
Margin  **  Balance  **  Fun  **  Give  **  Pure  **  Heal  **  Humility  **  Purpose  **  Trust
Courage  **  Risk  **  Love  **  Pray  **  Ask  **  Discipline  **  Forgive  **  Commit  **  Fit

Discover your ONE Word today at GetOneWord.com.
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