Published: March 19, 2025
By: Craig Haley
Many articles have been written and videos have been recorded about New Year’s resolutions. The New Year brings a sense of optimism and excitement because we all get to start over and start fresh. It is a great time to start new habits, eliminate old, destructive habits, and build momentum in the New Year. Just writing this makes me excited.
However, the statistics on New Year’s resolutions are not very compelling. Less than 4% of people follow through on their New Year’s resolutions. Just think about it. Everyone is motivated and has great intentions on January 1, and by January 10th, that motivation and follow-through is gone. I recently learned that January 10th is recognized as “National Quitters Day.” This designation originated from the fitness app developers who observed a significant decline in app usage by this date. As a result, January 10th became known as National Quitters Day.
We have all set New Year’s resolutions and not followed through. There are many reasons for this. Some of them might be a lack of clarity on the goal, not a strong enough reason why you want to change, or just a lack of discipline. Instead of trying to figure out why only a small number of people follow through and the masses do not, I want to share a different approach to achievement in 2025.
This idea came from the best-selling author, speaker Jon Gordon, who has written over 30 books and sold more than 5 million copies. On his podcast, “Positive University,” he dives into the power of a positive mindset. He says that goals are a positive thing because we cannot hit a target we can’t see. However, we need something more. He says that something more is One Word!
Jon’s One Word Challenge invites you to choose a single word each year that inspires and motivates you. This word should ignite a spark, helping you build momentum toward your goals and the life you desire. How do you choose your word? It depends on your current situation and desired direction.
My One Word for 2025 is “progress.” As a martial arts athlete, entrepreneur, husband, father, brother, uncle, etc., I want to feel that my life is moving in the right direction. I want to enhance my martial arts knowledge and skills, improve my fitness (flexibility, strength, and endurance), and support the growth and profitability of our two martial arts schools. I also want my students to progress in our system and improve our student services. Kaizen is a martial arts term meaning constant improvement or progress. I appreciate this concept because growth is one of my core values. When I think of progress, I reflect on the actions I need to take in my work, home, and relationships, which resonates deeply with me.
What is your word? What word ignites a spark for you? Our two professional staff members are participating in the One Word Challenge. One of them chose “Discipline,” and the other chose “Consistency.”
There is no right or wrong word. It just has to be something that sparks you, drives you, and lights you up to take action.
There’s an old cliché that says, “Knowledge is power,” but that’s only partly true. Knowledge by itself isn’t enough; it’s applied knowledge that truly holds power. You need to take action with what you know. I encourage you to choose a word and remind yourself of it every day. Write it down where you can see it at home and at work, put it in your phone, and keep it at the forefront of your mind.
T. Harv Eker says, “Where attention goes, energy flows, and results always show.” Put your attention and energy on your One Word and watch the miraculous results
Craig Haley writes a monthly column for Lighthouse Point magazine and is an Eighth Degree Black Belt instructor at Elite Force Martial Arts.