One Word Can Change Your Life

Do you love or hate icebreakers?

I usually hate them: they feel awkward and may or may not have anything to do with what we’re even supposed to be doing in said meeting (inefficient!) But every once in awhile, I come across one that is either thought-provoking, relevant and meaningful, actually fun, or some combination thereof. Several years ago, this actually happened for me in the teacher workdays leading up to the first day of school. 

The principal at the time asked us to choose one word that would be our defining word for the year: a goal, aspiration, or inspiration. We then went around the room and shared out our word. Throughout that school year, I periodically refocused and calmed myself by using this word as a touchstone. It actually was helpful! 

That was now almost 10 years ago, but I’ve never forgotten it. That administrator is long gone, and I’m now several states away in a new school, but I still sometimes do that exercise for myself at the start of a school year, or at New Year’s Eve.

In 2023, my word was “intentional.” It resonated so much with me that I have held onto it as a reminder to myself when life gets hectic and overwhelming (which, let’s be honest, is pretty often). I think of this word, “intentional,” and it shifts my perspective and re-focuses me on the things that matter to me. It is a reminder not to fritter my time away on things that don’t matter, don’t push me closer to my goals, or don’t have lasting significance and meaning to me in my life. You can read more about a practical application about that here, but in this post I’m going more philosophical. I love words and digging deep into their meanings and etymologies, so that’s where we’re starting!

Definitions

“Intention” dictionary definitions: 

• an aim that guides action
• the process by or manner in which a wound heals
• import; meaning; significance 
• a stretching or bending of the mind toward an object
• fixedness of attention
• earnestness
• purpose or design; a determination to act in a certain way or do a certain thing
• the object toward which the thoughts are directed; end; aim
• clearer formulation or greater deliberateness
• a person or purpose that is especially prayed for

I was actually surprised at how many different listed definitions this word has (and there’s more that I haven’t included here, too)! Some of these are so fascinating and thought-provoking to me as we discuss the topic of simplifying your life and schedule as a teacher to achieve greater balance. Let’s take a closer look at my favorites:

1. “an aim that guides action”

This speaks to my A-type personality and entrepreneurial spirit! Intention means that you have a goal, and you GO for it. It also means that you let all the background noise (a.k.a other things vying for your time and attention) fade away where they belong: in the background. The arrow sailing through the air toward its target doesn’t get distracted by the scenery on its right and left; it aims for the target and GOES.

2. “the process by or manner in which a wound heals”

I really had never heard this one before! But I love it. This definition has so much metaphorical depth: when we are intentional with our time, energy, and efforts–when we live life on purpose–there is a healing that takes place. All the stress and anxiety that is slowly breaking you down mentally, emotionally, and even physically is reversed and healed when you get the sense that you are once again in control of your own time! You feel refreshed, energized, happy, and empowered. It is healing.

3. “earnestness”

I tend to think of “earnest” as “sincere”–which is correct, but it’s also very interesting to think of it as a synonym for “intention.” When you clarify your priorities and the actions connected to them, you must be honest and sincere with yourself. When you edit activities from your schedule in accordance with your priorities, when you practice kindly saying “no,” you are being true to yourself and the balanced life that you want and need. Intentional action is and must be sincere: earnest.

Applying Words to your Life

I could word-dive all day; it’s honestly one of my favorite things! Words are so powerful and can lead you down philosophical rabbit holes that are just thrilling and fascinating… 

But a word has no power in your life unless give it power by thinking and acting on it!

Here’s a quick example of how you can take your focus word and write down targeted, action-oriented statements to apply it to various areas of your life. I’ll use my own word, “intentional,” in my own real-life contexts:

• I will plan my lessons with careful intention, paying attention to the long-, mid-, and short-term unit arc, the individual needs of my students, and the skills they need to practice and master.
• I will use my time intentionally to do the things and nurture the relationships that are important to me.
• I will parent my children intentionally: I will not allow my own fatigue or lack of patience to overshadow the right way to do things (which is often not the easiest way to do them). I will be intentional in my decisions about the foods they eat, the shows they watch, the examples I set for them through my own behavior.
• I will exercise my faith with intention. I will strive to make my words, actions, choices, and life sincerely submitted to God.
• I will nurture my marriage intentionally. I will not grow complacent or lazy, or take for granted the incredible man I get to share my life with. I will treat “love” as a verb, not a noun.
• I will take care of my body with intention, by paying attention to the foods I eat and the activities I do, trying earnestly to make good choices for my long-term health.
• I will grow Tightrope Teaching with intention, making the best use of my time, knowledge, and skills in order to help other teachers who are overwhelmed. I will develop content and resources that I sincerely believe will help people reclaim their time and peace of mind.

Choose a word

So, do you have a word that guides you? It should be a concept that resonates deeply with you, a touchstone that you can use to keep you focused on making your life into the life you want for yourself. If you already have one, drop me a line and tell me what it is: I am genuinely interested to know what it is and how it has helped you!

If you don’t already have a word, consider this your official invitation to borrow mine: intentional. Let it marinate and sink in to your life for a few months; see how much it helps change your focus and attitude if you really let it touch your life and take action in multiple areas. 

Another great idea is to put up visual reminders of this word in places where you’re sure to see it: make a cute Canva screen background for yourself, order yourself an inexpensive custom bracelet from Etsy with your word printed on it and wear it every day, or just write it on some post-its and stick them up around your home and classroom. (For those of you who may be a bit more extreme, and if you’re REALLY committed to your word…tattooing may be an option! I didn’t do that with the word “intentional,” but I did do it with some other favorite words that I’m totally committed to: Proverbs 3:5-6).

Whatever “sticks” and motivates you, do that!

Make an on-purpose choice today to write down your “I will” statements to declare what it is you intend to do with your life’s most precious commodity: time.