One Little Word: Elevate

I first started choosing One Little Word for the year in 2019, and it made all the difference! Ever since then, I’ve chosen a word every year that helps guide me and gives me direction.

In 2019 it was Accomplish and I started my own business.
In 2020, it was Discipline, which helped me stay focused during the pandemic.
In 2021, it was Prioritize, as we were welcoming sweet Cassie to the world I wanted to make sure I was focusing on the things that mattered.
In 2022, it was Savor as I strived to soak up every little moment of motherhood.
In 2023, it was Consistency, to try to stick with things instead of starting new things and not seeing them through. I feel like I’ve done a good job with this one as I’ve stuck to so many new habits and processes that I’ve brought into my life. Which is what has led me to choose this year’s word.

2024’s word is ELEVATE!

When I was thinking about my word and what I wanted to accomplish in the new year, I kept coming back to the idea that I’ve been stuck doing the same things over and over again, but that I’ve not necessarily made any progress in some of the things I’ve been trying to be consistent at. I wanted 2024 to be the year that I took things to the next level.

Each word has helped push me forward, but I want this to be the year that I make radical change. I don’t want to get to December and realize that I have the same goals for 2025 that I’ve had every other year. One of the books that I’ve read recently that has helped me dig into this word is Atomic Habits by James Clear. In the book, Clear talks about getting 1% better and states “If you get one percent better each day for one year, you’ll end up thirty-seven times better by the time you’re done.” Between this theory and habit stacking, I can take that consistency and discipline to the next level and get incrementally better at reaching my goals one step at a time.

The other part of this is to not let outside factors affect my goal trajectory. This includes getting distracted and derailed by the little dramas that happen each day. And let’s be honest, there will be lots of life distractions, especially with a toddler, but the important thing is to get back to the goals as soon as possible and not let the distractions derail me.

For each word, I like to get myself a piece of jewelry that constantly reminds me of my focus for the year. I’ve done bracelets before, but this year I went with a gold ring from Lemon Lime Creations on Etsy. I’m loving it so much, I’m considering going back and getting rings for the other words.