ONE WORD: A Simple Idea That Can Change Everything

December 25, 2025•5 min read

ONE Word: A Simple Idea That Can Change Everything

Each year, many of us set New Year’s resolutions with the best of intentions—exercise more, stress less, be better leaders, parents, or teammates. Yet by mid-January, those resolutions often feel overwhelming, forgotten, or unrealistic. Jon Gordon offers a powerful alternative: ONE Word.

ONE Word is exactly what it sounds like—choosing a single word to focus on for the entire year. Instead of a long list of goals, ONE Word becomes a lens through which you live, lead, and make decisions. It provides clarity, focus, and purpose. Rather than trying to change everything at once, ONE Word invites you to grow intentionally, consistently, and meaningfully.

The impact of ONE Word is profound because it shapes not only what you do, buthowyou show up. It influences your mindset, your habits, your relationships, and your leadership. When you live your ONE Word, the people around you experience it too—your family feels it, your colleagues see it, and your students benefit from it. ONE Word becomes contagious, setting a tone that extends far beyond yourself.

For 2025, my ONE Word was Present—and it carried two powerful meanings.

First, being present: choosing to be fully engaged every minute, with every person, in every situation. In a world filled with distractions, noise, and constant urgency, being present is a discipline. It means listening more than speaking, focusing on the person in front of you, and giving your best attention to the moment you are in.

Second,present: recognizing that each day is a gift. No matter the challenges we face, each morning is an opportunity to serve, lead, learn, and grow. When we approach our work and our relationships with gratitude, we begin to see even difficult moments as meaningful and worthwhile.

Selecting ONE Word doesn’t require perfection—it requires reflection. Instead of asking, “What do I want to accomplish?” ask:

Who do I want to become?
What do I need more of in my life or leadership?
What word will challenge me, ground me, and guide me this year?

Your ONE Word should stretch you, inspire you, and remind you of what matters most—especially on the hard days.

As we move through this year, I encourage you to consider choosing your own ONE Word. Write it down. Share it with others. Return to it often. You may be surprised by how one simple word can bring focus, purpose, and lasting impact—not only to your life, but to the lives of those you lead and serve.

Sometimes, less truly is more.

Closing Thought

The RLR Team wishes you and your family a Happy Holiday and Happy New Year!

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Let RLR Leadership Consulting help you and your school/school district with your Strategic Planning and Goal Setting. We have the capacity to help one more district this year!

Our experts have helped dozens of schools, school districts, and businesses develop their Strategic Plans and Key Performance Indicators (KPI's) through our highly interactive and engaging process which includes all of your stakeholders.

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Who's In Your Inner Circle?
RLR Leadership Consulting and The CORE Project

Think about the people closest to you. The ones you share ideas with, lean on for support, and let influence your decisions. That group—your inner circle—shapes how you see yourself, the choices you make, and even the risks you’re willing to take.

Sometimes, those relationships give you energy and push you forward. Other times, they hold you back. That’s why RLR Leadership Consulting and The CORE Project have teamed up to create Your Inner Circle—an opportunity to pause, reflect, and intentionally shape the connections that matter most.

In this experience, you’ll:

Identify who truly belongs in your circle
Learn how to set healthy boundaries when needed
Build trust that actually lasts
Choose connections that make you stronger

Because the truth is, leadership isn’t just about strategy or skills—it’s about people. And the people closest to you can either empower your growth or limit your potential.

We’d love for you to join us. As a special opportunity, use code Randy15 for a discounted price—but hurry, this offer won’t last long.
https://thecorepro.com/coregroups/p/your-inner-circle-curriculum

Your circle matters. Choose it wisely.

If you would like me, or someone from our RLR Team, to speak or work with your school and/or school district, please contact us at www.randyrussell.org.