At Alarm Protection Services (APS), we believe growth doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when people commit—to themselves, to each other, and to a shared purpose.

As we stepped into 2026, our team marked a meaningful milestone: the completion of seven one-hour sessions centered on becoming one great, unified team. Each session focused on a different commitment—challenging us to strengthen trust, improve communication, and grow together with intention.

We concluded this journey on New Year’s Eve, not by simply closing a chapter, but by setting a clear vision for the year ahead.

That vision is captured in One Word.

Why “One Word”?

Inspired by Jon Gordon’s book, One Word, the One Word concept is simple—but incredibly powerful.

“When you find your word for the year, it will change the way you think, the words you speak, the attitudes of your heart, your relationships, and even your actions.”

In a busy, distracted, and often overwhelming world, One Word creates clarity and focus.

“One word will give you clarity and focus for the challenges of a busy, stress-filled world. One word is both simple and powerful. Simplicity, done right, will always bring impact.”

Rather than chasing dozens of resolutions, One Word gives you one clear anchor—something to return to in decisions, challenges, and everyday moments.

A Powerful Moment: Commitment in Action

On New Year’s Eve, each APS team member shared their One Word for 2026, along with their why behind it. These weren’t surface-level goals—they were deeply personal reflections on who each person wants to become this year.

After everyone shared, we did something symbolic and meaningful.

Together, we signed a poster featuring our team word for 2026 and all of our individual words. That poster now hangs on our wall for all to see—a daily reminder of our commitments, our values, and the people we are striving to become this year.

To make those commitments tangible, each team member also received a custom keychain with their individual word. Something small, but intentional. Something they’ll see and carry with them—on keys, tool bags, or backpacks—as a reminder in the middle of busy days why their word matters.

Accountability: Our Team Word for 2026

While every team member chose a personal word, we also chose one word to guide us collectively:

Accountability

For APS, accountability isn’t about blame or pressure—it’s about ownership, follow-through, and support.

It means:

• Doing what we say we’ll do
• Holding ourselves—and each other—to a higher standard
• Having the courage to grow, even when it’s uncomfortable

To keep accountability from becoming just a word on a wall, we’ve committed to brief weekly check-ins as a team. These moments give us space to reflect, encourage one another, and make sure our words stay front and center in a fast-moving, distraction-filled world.

By committing to accountability together, we believe we’ll grow closer as a team—and that unity directly impacts how well we serve our customers and our community.

A Glimpse at Our Team’s Words

Some of the words chosen by our team this year include:

• Determination
• Empower
• Gratitude
• Impact
• Prosperity
• Joy

Each word represents a personal commitment. Together, they reflect a team focused on growth, purpose, and service.

How to Discover Your One Word

Finding your One Word starts with intention.

1. Create space to look inward

Unplug. Step away from noise. Give yourself quiet time to reflect.

2. Ask yourself three questions

• What do I need?
  Where do you most need growth or change right now?
• What’s in my way?
  What habits, fears, or distractions are holding you back?
• What needs to go?
  What must you release in order to move forward?

3. Discover your “why”

Your word gains power when you understand why it matters.

Reflect on:

• Your past: What lessons do you need to carry forward?
• Your present: Where are you right now—honestly?
• Your future: Who do you want to become?

When you know your why, your word becomes something you live—not just something you choose.

Keeping Your Word Front and Center

A word only works if you remember it. Some simple ways to keep it visible:

• Write it down and place it where you’ll see it daily
• Create a phone or computer screensaver
• Paint or frame your word
• Journal weekly about how your word showed up
• Collect quotes or sayings that align with your word

One Word serves as a daily reminder of purpose—and a source of focus when life gets busy.

More Than a Word—A Commitment to Growth

At APS, One Word isn’t a trend or a one-day exercise. It’s part of our commitment to getting better together.

By holding ourselves accountable, supporting one another, and staying intentional about who we want to become, we believe we’ll continue to grow—not just as a company, but as people who genuinely care about protecting others.

One Word reminds us of our purpose.

It fuels our passion.

It shapes our legacy.

And year after year, it helps us make a meaningful impact—together.

 Want to learn more about the One Word concept?

Watch this short video explaining the idea behind One Word:

 Looking to go deeper?

Visit https://getoneword.com/ to learn more about the book One Word by Jon Gordon and receive free resources, tools, and guidance to help you discover, live out, and share your word throughout the year.