New Year, New Focus.

When looking ahead, we often realize that we need to adjust our “FOCUS.” One key way for us to do this is to choose a Personal Focus Word for the future.

Each year I like to self-evaluate and see where am I, what was the last year like, and what do I need/want/desire for the future year?

Spending time in prayer and really looking inward with what God has been putting on my heart typically leads me right to the clearest “personal focus word” for me to apply to the coming year.

What is FOCUS?

Focus:
noun – 1. the center of interest or activity.
2. the state or quality of having or producing clear visual definition.
verb – to pay particular attention to.

Obtaining a clear center of interest and vision helps me to set my life on a more determined track as I move forward. I am always seeking growth – personally and in relationships, so a Personal Focus Word enables me to pay particular attention to that continued goal in a strategic way.

If you are seeking some personal growth, and want to be the best version of yourself that you can be, then I suggest — grab a personal focus word!!

Some past Personal Focus Words that I have used to set my heart on to impact the various areas of my life are:

Growth
Respect
Joy
Resolve
Gratitude
Peace

Each of these has helped me to focus in on every nook and cranny of my life for a specific length of time.

For instance, JOY!

This is one that I knew I had been lacking a couple years ago, (to be honest I still have to remember to “choose joy” today too!). Everywhere I turned my Jesus was reminding me to find the joy. I was not experiencing the joy that the bible describes – the fruit of the Spirit – to the extent that it is available to me.

Grab one of these Journals for Women TODAY!

God was continually admonishing me to rest in the joy of the Lord that is my strength. To find joy in homeschooling my kids (some days are just not joyful). Be a joyful wife….marriage takes work, compromise, and forgiveness. Find joy in ministering to the moms and women that were in my path. Have joy when money is tight and finances are not what I wanted.

I was reminded that joy is not the same as happiness and that even in hard times I can have joy when my focus is on Him.

Related Post: You were Created for Joy

In every season of our lives, I believe that Jesus directs us and causes unique circumstances that will guide us on the path He has for us. These opportunities are for us to discover NEW focus on what He is teaching us.

This is an EXCITING opportunity!

Determine It!

First, you must be determined to identify it….whatever “it” is.

When something is brought to your attention, you will often see scripture verses that all speak to this specific area and the words practically jump off the pages!! This is a perfect way to grab hold of a personal focus word.

When this begins, you simply allow the Holy Spirit to reveal truths about how to apply it in every single area of your life.

Ask God in your quiet time these questions:

What have You been speaking to me?
Has there been a recent recurring theme in my life?
What do I want, need, or desire during this season in my life from You, Lord?

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Just pray and meditate on the current situations and circumstances happening around you. Maybe struggles that you keep running into or dreams you are looking to achieve. These things will direct you to the most appropriate personal focus word for you to propel into the next chapter of growth.

Define It!

Once you feel the Holy Spirit’s leading or leaning to a specific topic you must choose the WORD. This is what will help you to stay focused on God’s work in you.

Some great words that I have heard others take hold of are Patience, Hope, Fearless, Forward, Listening, and Courage.

All of these are AMAZING words to help any one of us grow.

Once you have that word, work through this list to help you to define just what you are feeling and sensing.

Summarize in a journal why this is the word you are focusing on.
Identify 2-4 bible verses and promises that speak to this word (www.biblegateway.com is a great resource.)
Look for some inspirational quotes (google it)

Having Gods Word, promises, and some inspirational quotes will enable you to meditate on and focus on this word through the year.

Here are some great bible journal options.

Declare It!

To allow this word to go deep into your spirit and impact you, you must declare it!

Take hold of it! Continue to meditate on it and the scriptures, promises, and inspirational quotes that you have identified to HOLD that vision.

Write it on your mirrors.
Make sticky notes and put them where you will see them.
Pray every day that God would show you how this word applies to various areas in your life.
Keep journaling what God reveals to you about this area of growth for you.

Be sure to spend the time needed to work through this process. Be quiet in the Lord’s presence and allow Him to speak gently to your heart.

His desire is to love on you, bless you, grow you, and even stretch you. He has a purpose and a plan for all the things that will unfold in your future.

Open up to Jesus today to receive fresh focus for your future!

I’ve created a Personal Focus Word Worksheet for you to get started.