I didn’t pick a “one little word” for 2018 or 2019 and if I did, it would have been SURVIVE. It’s pretty much impossible to focus on growth when you’re just working to keep the pieces together. I hadn’t really thought about coming back to this little technique and then suddenly, a word for 2020 hit me. 

I was pulling into the Hobby Lobby parking lot and listening to a podcast when this little word stood out to me like it was spoken directly to me. 

Elevate. 

As I shopped for beads for an Indian costume, as one does, I kept thinking about this word. Why was it lingering with me? Why did I keep thinking about it instead of what I came here for?

That’s when I remembered the idea of the One Little Word. You can click the tag at the bottom of this post for my history with this practice, or go here for more info. In short, you pick One Little Word to ruminate on for the year. It guides your thoughts, your intentions, and your other goal setting. 

By the time I’d left Hobby Lobby, it was settled. Elevate would be my word for 2020. I’m already envisioning it on a ring that I can wear every day. Who knows where I can get a cute one made? Tell me in the comments.

In 2020, I intend to elevate my writing, my speaking, the dreams I’ve done nothing with, my real estate business, my online presence, and most importantly — other people.

Every goal that I’m stewing over for this next year has to do with me rising up in some way. They all center around taking things to the next level and rising to the challenge. It’s time to elevate. 

In addition to wanting to elevate myself, my life’s work centers around elevating other people. Every word I publish here. Every Instagram caption. Every time I stand in front of a group and speak — it’s all done with the intention of helping someone rise to a new level. My hope is that by increasing the quality and quantity of my own work, I’m able to help someone else elevate their own lives in some way. 

I feel pretty excited about this little word for the year and even more excited that it came to me in November! Forgive me, I’m a sucker for getting things done and this feels like another thing I can mark of my end-of-the-year list. 

I’m curious though, have you ever chosen a word for the year? How did it go? If you’re picking something for 2020, leave your word in the comments. I’m eager to see what you all will be focusing on!