Chapter 2

The Power of One Word

Words are powerful. They have the power to inspire, encourage, appreciate, heal, and turn the impossible into the possible. Throughout history, words have transformed societies, people, and relationships. Words have inspired us to put a man on the moon, advance racial equality, and heal after our greatest tragedies.

But can One Word really make a difference? We know that words are powerful when spoken in sentences and when included in inspiring speeches, but can One Word on its own really change your life?

One Word can make a difference.

Our answer is an emphatic yes. After nearly 15 years of doing this ourselves and taking others through the One Word process as part of our workshops, we’ve found that when you find your word for the year, it will change the way you think, the words you speak, the attitudes of your heart, your relationships, and even your actions.

Similar to buying a new car and suddenly seeing the same model everywhere you go, you’ll begin to see your One Word everywhere. One Word will give you clarity and focus for the challenges of a busy, stress-filled world. Just as a light focused becomes a laser that can cut through steel, a life focused with One Word becomes a force that can cut through the status quo. One Word is both simple and powerful. Simplicity, done right, will always bring impact.

One Word also creates powerful relationships. When those closest to you know your One Word, you can count on them sharpening, challenging, and stretching you to new heights. We often hear encouragement from our loved ones to maximize our word and live it out.

Your Stretch Team will fan the flames of impact.

We encourage you to share it with your inner circle—family and close friends. This group, your Stretch Team, will encourage, motivate, and celebrate your success.

People who believe the best in you will fan the flames of impact, because they truly want to make you better.

The Six Dimensions

As One Word works its way into every aspect of your life, the concept will powerfully impact the six dimensions mentioned in Chapter 1: spiritual, physical, emotional, relational, mental, and financial. We know, because it happened to us.

Here are examples of how our words have brought transformation in each of the six areas:

1. Spiritual impact. Dan’s word in 2005 was Breakthrough. His desire was to experience Breakthrough in every area of his life, especially spiritually. The goal was to go from the ordinary to the extraordinary by identifying specific obstacles and barriers that were keeping him from going to the next level. By removing barriers, his spiritual disciplines were renewed.

2. Physical impact. Ivelisse (Jimmy’s wife) chose Believe for her word in 2008. Later that year, she was diagnosed with fourth-stage cancer and given very slim odds for survival. She learned the depths and dimensions of her word as she began to trust that God could do the impossible. She learned to believe and trust, no matter what, and received physical healing in the process.

3. Emotional impact. In 2012, Jon’s word was a choice between Surrender and Enjoy. When he made his annual New Year’s jump into the ocean, he felt a sharp pain in his knee and had trouble walking out of the ocean. Not a great way to start the year, he thought. But as he reached the shore he heard the word Surrender loud and clear. He was not in control.

4. Relational impact. Dan’s word in 2008 was Healing. His dad was battling leukemia, and Dan was hoping and praying for physical healing. Even though his dad passed away, the healing that took place was relational, as Dan witnessed the touching and healing of hearts from past pain and hurt.

5. Mental impact. Jimmy’s word in 2007 was Detox. He wanted to remove the toxic stuff in his life that was keeping him from being his best. Believing that most challenges in life originate with toxic thinking, Jimmy began to examine his thought life and remove negative, critical patterns of thinking. He replaced those thoughts with positivity, possibility, and faith. This has helped fuel closer relationships and an overcoming spirit.

6. Financial impact. In 2011, Jon facilitated the One Word process with his company, whereby each employee created his or her own word. The result was more focus, power, energy, and engagement—and the company had its best year ever.

The power of One Word is found in its narrow focus and broad impact. Less really turns out to be best. Simple is powerful. One Word can really make a difference! Now you just have to find your word.