Resolutions can be a lot like those mile runs in middle school Phys. Ed. class—you burst out of the gate, and by the second lap, you’ve lost steam and are lucky to make it to the finish.

If you’ve fallen victim to failed resolutions, don’t worry, you’re not alone. According to Forbes, only 8% of people achieve their New Year’s resolutions. Instead of traditional beginning-of-the-year goals, try the one-word approach. It’s as totally different way to focus your year and see amazing (and much more achievable) results!

One Word: A Totally Different Way To Look at Goals

Instead of thinking of a list of specific goals or “resolutions” you hope to accomplish for the year, narrow down your focus to one single word. There is power in simplicity. In fact, research says that trying to accomplish more than one task at a time takes a toll on productivity. Perhaps that’s why more and more people today are ditching resolutions in lieu of the one-word approach, and quite frankly, it’s genius.

What is your one word?

As you look forward to your new year, think of one word that you’d like to center your life around. Here are a few ideas:

When you select your word, write it down in several places. Post it in highly visible spots like your computer screen, microwave, or bathroom mirror. Put this word in your calendar so that you focus all schedule activities around your word. Your whole entire year is a conscious effort on one word and even the busiest people can do it.

Let that one word become something that you stand for and something that you live by. One word, one year…give it a try.