Do You Use Mottos to Overcome Obstacles in Life?
What about adopting a motto for 2018? In a culture that seems to be anti-New Year’s resolution, have you considered how a personalized motto might help you achieve your goals?
What is a Motto?
A motto is short and very specific phrase that can easily be remembered and repeated. It is used to convey a message with few words. It is a quick, go-to phrase that becomes a theme for a specific time in your life. Mottos can change as you change and your success/struggles change.
“A motto is a maxim adopted as an expression of the guiding principle of a person, organization, city, etc.” dictionary.com
How to Use Personal Mottos
While mottos are used for groups and organizations to draw attention to a cause…a personal motto is for the individual. It is useful as self-encouragement, a personal pep talk or to change bad thoughts into positive thoughts. Last year in my post Mottos to Calm My Anxious Heart I shared how I used mottos to specifically attack my anxiety. Mottos can give you courage, strength, and remind you of what your goals are.
Examples of Personal Mottos
I have used mottos over the past 2 years. My mottos are specific to calming anxiety, moving forward in life and focusing on trusting God. They are my go-to phrases when I am faced with challenges and they have a calming effect on me. My mottos carry a theme that God laid on my heart…an area of personal growth.
“God already knew this was going to happen. If He knew it, then He prepared me in advance to handle it.” 2016
“Do everything I can, do my best and leave the results to God.” 2017
For 2018, my new motto continues with the theme of trusting God and letting go of anxiety. Worry and doubt have led my life for too many years. I have decided to trust God instead. My new 2018 motto is “I choose to trust God.” When challenging times come or I am faced with overwhelming anxiety or fear I will whisper to myself…”I choose to trust God.”
“I choose to TRUST God.” 2018
Do You Have a Motto this Year? If Not, Will You Create One?
If you have a motto, please share it! I would love to hear about it. If you don’t have one, it is easy to create one. Consider these things when deciding upon your motto:
- Is there a particular struggle you have over and over again and you want to overcome it this year? In my example it is anxiety, worry and doubt. But it could be anything…a sharp tongue, anger, over eating, over analyzing, lack of motivation, sadness, lack of exercise, lack of budgeting or financial freedom, past issues, etc…
- What can you control? In my example, I can control my choice to give into my anxiety or to choose to trust God. Some things that are in your control are your attitude and the choice about how you respond to situations. Many things are beyond our control so leave those out of your motto…you can’t do anything about them anyway.
- Scripture can be very useful for mottos too. If you cannot think of one, you can always adopt a Bible verse. For example:
“For nothing is impossible with God.” Luke 1:37
- Allow God’s Word to inspire a motto. For example:
“I am worthy because God loves me.”
Start This Year with a Personal Motto
I can’t wait to hear what your motto is. Please share: Do you use mottos or is this your first time? What is your motto? Solider on into 2018 brave ones!! #FindYourBrave!!
Sincerely with Hugs,
JJ
#FindYourBrave #FindForwardMovement
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KatieJanuary 12, 2018 1:22 pm
You inspired me to come up with a motto. There are so many possibilities but I think mine for the year is Hope in Him. Hoping in Christ in all areas of life. Thank you!
JJJanuary 12, 2018 3:28 pm
I love it!! It encompasses everything in your life and puts the focus on Christ :).
Beth RobinsonJanuary 12, 2018 8:51 pm
This is a very good idea. I think i will use” Nothing is impossible for God.” I know that what ever i am going through God will always be there with me.
candyJanuary 13, 2018 12:53 pm
This year for 2018 I want to give more service to other. Do some traveling. Plant a huge garden and do tons of canning like always. Learn some new skills. Going to be a wonderful year.
Jauwan StinsonJanuary 13, 2018 9:34 pm
This was a great article! Im still struggling to find my motto but this helped!
AireonaJanuary 14, 2018 1:46 am
This is such a good idea! I love inspiring quotes and things like that and I think having a personal motto could be really inspiring!
JJJanuary 14, 2018 4:05 am
That is a great one and I love it!!
JJJanuary 14, 2018 4:06 am
Wonderful goals!
JJJanuary 14, 2018 4:06 am
If you get one…please share! I’d love to hear it :).
JJJanuary 14, 2018 4:07 am
It really is! It has made an impact on my life…for the better :).
andreaJanuary 14, 2018 9:27 pm
I love the idea of creating an annual motto. Fabulous idea and putting up where you see it every day just awesome. Thanks for sharing this I am so going to do it
serena haleJanuary 14, 2018 9:31 pm
I have never had a motto that I stood with and keep and tried to live by. Maybe I need to do that this year and thank God it is still early to develop one and start making a difference in my life. Being purposeful and intentional are my goals.
Tina GrantJanuary 15, 2018 4:16 am
Being from England and now in the States, I use the same motto every year, told to me by my mother every day. I still love a cuppa tea every day and every time I say “Never underestimate the power of a cup of tea.”
JJJanuary 16, 2018 2:56 am
That is great…display it so in our weak moments you can read it! Please share once you have one :).
JJJanuary 16, 2018 2:57 am
That can be your motto…I will be purposeful and intentional 🙂
JJJanuary 16, 2018 2:58 am
I am a tea lover so I really love your motto and totally get it!
Jennifer TurneyJanuary 16, 2018 10:19 am
I’m not sure what our motto is but we are taking a lot of action towards being closer to God And trusting him with all that we are. Great Blog!!
Loved this!
Jennifer TurneyJanuary 16, 2018 10:21 am
PS I have like 1:37 tattooed on the left lower side of my stomach.lol
KarenJanuary 16, 2018 12:53 pm
I have never thought of having a motto for the year, or even season, month or day but I think it’s a great idea.
I suppose I do have some mottos that have followed me for years.
1. Honesty is the best policy
2. Everything has a funny side ….. eventually
3. Chacun a son gout … you’ll have to look that one up !
JJJanuary 16, 2018 4:27 pm
That is your motto: Taking steps towards being closer to God!! In all that you do, focus on that 🙂
JJJanuary 16, 2018 4:28 pm
Those are all good ones :). You had mottos and didn’t know it! Love #2 and I looked up #3 :).
lolaJanuary 17, 2018 4:50 pm
I actually decided to come up with a word for this year too, i think ill think of a motto as well as it will sort of encompass all that i want to have this year!
JulieJanuary 17, 2018 10:42 pm
My word for 2018 is steadfast. So I could add a motto of God this year I’m going to be steadfast no matter what I go through!
Great post, J.J.!
JJJanuary 17, 2018 11:35 pm
Great! I would love to hear the word or motto you come up with!
JJJanuary 17, 2018 11:38 pm
Love the word and motto!! Thank you for sharing.
JoleisaJanuary 18, 2018 4:58 pm
Ooh! I so love this. This year I planned to focus on Rom. 8:18
I am loving your post and think its a good idea to pray a motto over your life. I wish for you all the very best this year.
Elizabeth OJanuary 19, 2018 8:25 am
I love this idea of finding your own motto, this needs some serious thinking! I’m going to try and think up something unique for me. Great post i’m feeling inspired 🙂
JJJanuary 19, 2018 5:28 pm
I love it! Focus on Heaven not earth 🙂
JJJanuary 19, 2018 5:28 pm
Please share when you come up with one! I would love to hear it.