Filling out a medical form a few days ago, I had to write 2024 for the first time. Having been born and grown up in the twentieth century, this date still sounds futuristic to me. It brings to mind the song 2525, which first came on the radio in 1969. (I had to look up the release date and the artist, Zager and Evans). At the time, the idea of 2024 would have seemed as far in the future to me as the 19th century felt like ancient history to me at the time, and as prehistoric as the 20th century must feel to those who will graduate from high school this year.
Making a list of New Year’s resolutions seems antiquated at this point, as well. And resolutions have been pointless for me for a number of years, since I’ve never actually been “resolved,” or particularly committed to any of these listed items. This is evidenced by how quickly I abandon them. Year after year I’ve failed to lose weight for more than a couple of months, or write a certain number of words every day — unless I’m on deadline. Yada, yada, yada. I’m a little embarrassed to admit all my consistent failures.
I’ve tried variations. One year I composed two affirmations and recited them every day, while looking in the mirror. Well, I didn’t do it every day, naturally. But I did it consistently for a few weeks, which is longer than most of my resolutions have lasted. I’ve tried speaking aloud good intentions. This year, I’ll be kinder, I’ll celebrate small successes, I’ll be more prayerful. Not sure how much difference these vague and haphazard intentions made in my life, but they couldn’t hurt, right?
I’ve read about people who write a mission statement for the year, and others who choose a word they would like to define the year they hope for. This is route I’ve decided to take. I’ve never tried it before. I’m a writer. I’ve written books with around 85,000 words in them. One word should be easy, right? Not necessarily. More than a week into 2024 and I haven’t come up with a word yet.
My search for a word made me recall a Saturday Night Live sketch from 2000, satirizing Al Gore and George W. Bush’s debate. Debate moderator Jim Lehrer invited each candidate to choose one word that best summed up why people should vote for them. Bush’s word was “strategery.” And Gore’s word was “lockbox.”
The reference to the SNL skit is in no way an invitation to discuss anything related to current politics. But, if anyone has a suggestion for a word to sum up or inspire my hope or intention for the year, please share in the comments. Or, if you are making resolutions or taking an alternate approach to resolutions, please share.
Chicks on the Case 
I’m a big believer in “hope.” That family and friends will stay healthy. That my kids will continue to be okay living on their own. That I’ll sell lots of books. I could go in, but for me it tends to come down to “keep hope alive.”
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“Hope” is a great word. 🙂
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Hope is something I think we could all use more of, J.C.!
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My word for the year is “persevere”. I’m a self-published author who tried for a year to get a mainstream publisher interested in my Natalie McMasters novel, Stripper! You can guess how that went. So I finally took the leap and published it myself in 2018.
Flash Forward to 2024. The 8th book in the series, Shooters! is launching today. That makes a total of ten books I have published. In December, I was accepted for active membership in the Mystery Writers of America. If you don’t know, there is a very high financial bar to jump for a self-published author to be accepted, but I did it. I’m hoping this will make it easier for me to get writer’s cons to allow me to sell my books there. How did I achieve this? I presevered and did not listen to the naysayers.
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Trying to poet this comment again.
My word for the year is “persevere”. I’m a self-published author who tried for a year to get a mainstream publisher interested in my Natalie McMasters novel, Stripper! You can guess how that went. So I finally took the leap and published it myself in 2018.
Flash Forward to 2024. The 8th book in the series, Shooters! is launching today. That makes a total of ten books I have published. In December, I was accepted for active membership in the Mystery Writers of America. If you don’t know, there is a very high financial bar to jump for a self-published author to be accepted, but I did it. I’m hoping this will make it easier for me to get writer’s cons to allow me to sell my books there. How did I achieve this? I presevered and did not listen to the naysayers. – Tom. Burns
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Yay! Congrats on being an active member of MWA, Tom!
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Congrats, Tom!
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Awesome, Tom! Congrats to you on the pub of Shooters! today–and also for your MWA membership qualification. Woohoo! Way to start off the new year right!
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Faith: the engine fueled by hope.
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So poetic–love it!
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The combo of faith and hope works, giving us the power to chug up the steepest hills in life.
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What a lovely thought!
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Vicki, I completely understand. I gave up resolutions a long time ago. Goals? They get derailed by life, as to plans.
One word? Does “survival” count? LOL
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Totally. 😉 You’ve got this, Liz!
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Liz, I think survival is a good word and a fervent hope for everyone this year!
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I’m inadvertently starting off 2024 with “denial.” Can I get a redo of the first week of Jan? Our tree is still up, and we’ve been dealing with fixing things in our home (resolved for now).
Since a few years ago, I’ve been a one-word gal for new year goals, but I haven’t thought of one yet…
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Denial works for me, Jen!
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Jen, I think it’s more likely procrastination or too darn tired after the holidays than denial! Happy New Year!!
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I’m trying to lose some weight this year. I started down that road last year but injured my shoulder in May. Finally started getting physical therapy for it in the fall, and it’s mostly better now, so I am slowly starting exercise again with light weights. I should tackle my diet as well, but the exercise is a good first step, right? Now if only I trust my shoulder enough to start doing more with it like push ups. But I want to make sure it is good before I push it too far.
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Mark, my brother still struggles after two shoulder surgeries. So, I think it’s wise to be cautious. And eating healthy helps in all kinds of ways. (And I know eating healthy consistently is difficult for everyone, maybe especially for bachelors). Wishing you all the best in the New Year!
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I like the word “persevere,” as it describes what I believe often leads to success in whatever you’re striving for. (Though now that I really look at it, all I can see is “per” and “severe.” Not exactly what I mean, lol.)
But perhaps something more joyous and all-embracing is required this year: How about “community”?
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I like community. I’m definitely thankful for my writing community, especially the Chicks!
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Me, too!
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This is such a great post, Vickie, and I LOVE everyone’s words! In fact, I love them so much, that Love is my word for this year. I mean, The Beatles were probably onto something with their “all you need” declaration, right?
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No matter what we focus on this year we can’t do better than bringing more love into our lives — and into the lives of others!
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So my word for the year is…”Nice.” I always try to be, of course, but I want to make doubly sure to put the word in practice in 2024.
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Lisa, I hope everything for you this year is doubly nice — just like you are!
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