My friend Mike Ashcraft released a book titled My One Word: Change Your Life with Just One Word. As a pastor, Mike noticed that as every New Year rolled around, people in his congregation would make multiple resolutions to change. Usually, these resolutions would be forgotten by the end of January, and the next January people were making the same resolutions all over again. He thought there had to be a better a way.
That’s when he decided to focus on just one word for an entire year. The results of this simple experiment were surprising. Since then, Mike has been challenging his congregation to just pick one word to focus on for an entire year. In his book, he details the reasons why focusing on less actually produces better results and shares the experiences of many who have taken the one word challenge.
A few years ago, I decided to choose one word for the year. After careful consideration, the word I chose was “buildup.” I realize that buildup usually has a negative connotation like the buildup of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere or plaque on one’s teeth. I chose buildup because it reminds me that every single day I’m accumulating something. It’s up to me whether I’m increasing in good ways or bad.
Over the course of that year, I had the opportunity to experience buildup in the following areas:
- Spiritual life. My one word reminded me to pursue spiritual disciplines daily to keep me growing.
- Relationships. I was reminded to be intentional about investing time in others. Small investments regularly in my wife, children, friends, and family allowed me to grow these essential relationships.
- Career. I had no idea when I chose buildup as my word that I would be involved in a startup company. Buildup proved to be an incredibly apt word to describe the activity I was a part of as we built systems, processes, and a team.
- Finances. My one word reminded me to focus on making giving and saving a regular part of my routine. At the end of the year, it was exciting to see the results that built up over the course of the year.
As we head into 2026, I invite you to consider trying the One Word challenge. I encourage you to begin thinking and praying about a single word that can help you focus on what matters most to you and support your growth in the coming year.
End of Year Donation
If you have been encouraged by reading the Blueprint for Life devotionals this year, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to the ministry. Click here to give!
Thank you.
