Word of the Year for 2025

Let’s face it: New Year’s resolutions can be hard to stick to. By the end of January, many of us find ourselves asking, “Why did I even bother?” If you’ve ever felt that way, you’re not alone. But what if there was a better, simpler way to start the year with purpose?

That’s where the Word of the Year comes in.

Instead of piling up a list of resolutions that feel impossible to achieve, why not choose one word that will guide your mindset, decisions, and actions throughout 2025?

Why Choose a Word of the Year?

Choosing a word for the year isn’t just a trend; it’s a strategy that works. It serves as a constant reminder of what you want to focus on, making it easier to stay aligned with your goals.

Here’s the thing: Research shows that only 8% of people actually stick to their New Year’s resolutions. 

Let’s not set ourselves up for failure, shall we?

Instead of obsessing over perfect goals, a Word of the Year is about setting an intention and taking small, meaningful actions toward it. It’s about progress, not perfection.

My word for 2024 was “Independent.” It was all about creating space for personal and professional freedom. And guess what? It worked! My mindset and business grew because I stayed focused on being independent and working on my terms.

How to Choose Your Word for 2025

Finding your Word of the Year is simpler than it sounds. Here’s how you can do it:

Reflect on the Past Year

Take a moment to think about 2024. Get your pen and paper out and get to work.

Making columns for the following is a great way to visualize your reflections:
What went well? What challenges did you face, and how did you handle them? What lessons did you learn?

These reflections can help you identify areas where you want to grow or improve in 2025.

Think About Your Goals for 2025

What do you want to achieve this year
—personally and professionally? 

Is there a theme that ties these goals together?

Whether it’s growing your business, improving your health, or strengthening relationships, your word should be aligned with your bigger vision for the year.

Setting SMART Goals for 2025

To make your word even more actionable, it’s important to set goals that are clear, measurable, and achievable. 

Enter the SMART goal framework:

• Specific: Be clear about what you want to achieve.
• Measurable: How will you measure progress?
• Achievable: Make sure your goal is realistic.
• Relevant: Ensure your goal aligns with your values and broader vision.
• Time-bound: Set a deadline to keep yourself accountable.

For example, if your goal is to grow your business, a SMART goal might look like:
“I will increase my revenue by 15% by the end of Q2 by launching two new services and expanding my client base.”

Instead of just saying, “I want to grow my business,” a SMART goal gives you a clear roadmap for how to achieve it. By applying this framework to your Word of the Year, you’ll have a focused and actionable plan that aligns with your overarching goal.

Feel free to set multiple SMART goals. You can do this for anything you want to improve in 2025. You can have a goal for yourself, family, business, and so on.

Trust Your Gut

Sometimes, the best word comes from within. 

Close your eyes for a second, take a deep breath, and see what word floats up. 

It might be the one that resonates the most with what you truly want. 

It might not happen instantly. Give it time. Especially with end of the year overwhelm, you may have a lot of random thoughts flowing in and out, creating distracting noise. 

Take your time and do what’s best for you!

Consider How You Want to Feel

What feelings do you want to embrace this year? 

Do you want to feel more balanced, empowered, or focused? 

Let your word be something that helps you bring those feelings to life.

Look for Patterns

Review your reflections and your goals. 

What words or themes keep coming up? Circle them!

Focus on verbs and adjectives. 

Maybe you’ve been thinking about things like growth, clarity, or joy. These can be clues to your word.

Keep It Simple

Your word doesn’t need to be complicated. Keep it simple and easy to remember. 

It should resonate deeply with you and be something that motivates you every day.

Make It Actionable

Your word should inspire action. It should be something you can take steps toward throughout the year, whether it’s progress, balance, or renewal. 

Pick a word that sparks momentum.

Use Your Word Everywhere

Once you’ve chosen your word, make it impossible to forget. 

Write it down, put it on your phone wallpaper, create a vision board—whatever works for you.

The more you see your word, the more it will guide you through the year.

 

 

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Need Some Inspiration?

If you’re still not sure what word to choose, I’ve got you covered. I’ve put together a list of words that might spark some ideas for your Word of the Year. 

You can download it here.

For even more guidance, check out my Word of the Year blog category.
You’ll find past blogs with tips and videos on choosing your word. 

You can also watch my YouTube episodes where I explain the process and run live workshops annually to help you find your perfect word.

Whether you choose a word that’s bold, calm, focused, or adventurous, make sure it’s something that will guide you toward becoming the best version of yourself in 2025.

Remember, it’s all about progress. Your Word of the Year is there to support you, not pressure you.

 

 

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What’s Your Word for 2025?

I’d love to hear what word you’ve chosen and how it aligns with your vision for the year. Share it with me in the comments below, or send me a message! Let’s make 2025 your best year yet!