Many years ago I learned something for the first time. I had heard the word “Laser” many times through the years. What I had not known, however, is that it is actually an acronym – a word in which each letter is the first letter of a word. What I learned was that Laser was an acronym for:

Light
Amplification (by)
Stimulated
Emission (of)
Radiation.

The whole idea behind using a laser is to focus a beam of radiation or light directly onto something. Such focused power – used correctly – can actually cut through steel.

You might be thinking, ‘OK, Scott. What does that have to do with me?”

To answer that question, allow me to tell you about a wonderful book that I read a couple of years ago. It is one that I and my family now read during the last week of the year. It is titled One Word that will Change Your Life by Jon Gordon, Dan Britton and Jimmy Page. This small book has had a major impact not only on many people, but also on a large number of college and professional sports teams, sales teams and businesses. How could such a small book help so many groups?

Easy. The concept is this: spend some time (the length of time is up to you) and THINK about your life. Think about how you would like it to become better. Think about your weaknesses that you want to strengthen, about your dreams that you put on the back burner, and about your faith walk, your health and finances. In other words, THINK about what you want to FOCUS on during 2019 like you never have before.

Our 14-year-old daughter is an excellent artist. I commissioned her this year to create a sign that we can hang in our home that has the words of each family member:

Impact

Thankful

Counselor, and

Hope.

The book teaches that – by thinking about the one word on which you will focus throughout the year – you will find yourself much more aware of the areas in life that demand such focus. My word “Impact” helps me to think each day about how I am going to impact the people with whom I come in contact each day. It helps me to focus on my speaking business, in order to deliver speeches in which I make a positive impact on the audience members, instead of just giving a nice talk.

What will YOUR word be for 2019? I would strongly suggest that you read the book first. Whether you do or not, please take the time to THINK about your word. Do not rush the process. Your word will come to you.

Make the time to think; determine your Word, and then; enjoy 2019 by focusing on YOUR word. I believe it will bless your year, and your life.

I hope this message has made a positive Impact on you.