2025: A Guide to Your Word of the Year
I am back! It has been quite some time since I posted. I want to make sure that when you read the Strong Stumbler it is meaningful. Quality over quantity. What better way to restart than with the word for 2025?
If you recall, I do not make New Year’s resolutions. Instead, I pick a word that will be central to everything I do for the upcoming year. It’s a way to focus on what matters and leave out the fluff. The best part? Unlike resolutions, “a word of the year” doesn’t result in “success” or “failure.” It’s just a word. It’s also easy to recall when you start to stray from your purpose and need a reminder. It is your focus. It is your theme. It will be your guide and will help you make more intentional decisions. It will be a constant reminder to align your daily actions with your broader life goals and values.
How to choose your Word of the Year:
- Sit down away from distractions and think about where you are today. What are you happy with? What would you like to change? Is there a specific area you want to focus on (relationships, career, health, personal growth)? What qualities do you want to cultivate in yourself (patience, kindness, compassion, resilience)? What is most important to you?
- What words come to mind? Write them down.
- Review your words and choose the word that best captures your overall intention for the year. It must be actionable and can be incorporated into your daily life.
Still need some help? Here are some ideas:
- For personal growth: “Resilience,” “Mindful,” “Curious”, “Courage”
- For career focus: “Driven,” “Strategic,” “Collaborative”
- For well-being: “Balance,” “Nourish,” “Gratitude”
I have my word. Now what?
- First, write it down. Everywhere. Make sure you will see it often.
- Follow your word as a hashtag on your social media. #gratitude
- While we are on the subject of social media, eliminate any social media that is not aligned with your word. For example, if your word is “serenity” unfollow political posts. If your word is “mindful”, limit or eliminate social media altogether.
- Set your goals for the year around your word.
- When you have a decision to make, think of your word. What choice best aligns with your word?
What is my word for 2025? Uplift. I chose this word for 100% selfish reasons. I need a mind shift from the negative. I need optimism. I need hope. What’s the best way to cultivate optimism and hope? To uplift others. In doing so, I will uplift myself. (That’s the selfish part). Healthy selfishness can be a good thing. Hmm…I think I came up with my next post…
Happy New Year! I would love to hear what word you choose! Add your chosen word in the comments!
-The Strong Stumbler
