Ready to say goodbye to 2024 and make some big changes in 2025 that really align with your dreams?
Each year for the past four, I've carefully chosen a word that captures what I want for the year ahead. To keep it real, I even got my word engraved on a bracelet I wear daily. It’s a constant reminder of the word and its deep meaning for me during this time in my life. It’s like a daily nudge to think about my journey and how I can live out that word throughout the year.
I’m all for choosing a Word of the Year instead of the usual New Year’s Resolutions. This way, you can really focus on what you want to grow and create in your life. Instead of a long list of goals that might feel impossible, one word can guide your actions and decisions all year long.
Picking a word isn’t just a quick task; it’s a thoughtful journey that helps you zero in on what you want to focus on next year. It makes you think deeply about what truly matters. We all juggle different roles—parent, partner, professional, friend—and it can be tough to prioritize them. Having a word of the year ties all your goals together, helping you see how they connect and reminding you that we’re all just one person living one life.
If choosing a word of the year sounds good to you, I’d love to share some simple steps to help you pick your 2025 word. These steps will help you choose a word that really reflects what you want for the year. My hope is that this practice sets the tone for a year full of purpose and clarity.
1. Visualize the year ahead
I’m a big believer in visualization. Every year, as it winds down, I spend time reflecting and visualizing the year ahead. This helps me picture how I want my life to unfold over the next twelve months. I think about my personal and professional goals, the achievements I want, the feelings I want to experience, and the activities that will bring me joy. By imagining my future self and the life I want, I set a clear intention for the year.
After visualizing, I dive deeper by answering some questions. These questions guide me in figuring out the changes I need to make to reach my future vision:
What do I need more of in my life? This helps me see what positive influences, experiences, and people I should welcome to boost my happiness and well-being. It might mean finding new opportunities, building inspiring relationships, or spending time on hobbies I love.
What do I need less of in my life? This question makes me face what’s holding me back or draining my energy. It could mean letting go of toxic relationships, cutting down on unproductive activities, or ditching habits that don’t serve me.
What skills do I need to develop? I think about the skills that will help me reach my goals. Whether it’s improving communication, learning a new language, or mastering a technical skill, this helps me spot areas for growth.
Who do I need to become to live this life I want? This deep question challenges me to picture who I need to be to attract the life I desire. It makes me think about the mindset, values, and behaviors I need to adopt for personal growth.
2. List the things you want to focus on this year
I love starting the year by jotting down all the stuff I want to dive into and achieve. It’s more of a brainstorming session than a set list of goals, letting me explore lots of possibilities without the pressure of commitment. This way, I can think big and creatively about my year, rather than sticking to a rigid list that might feel daunting.
Here’s my process: I grab a blank sheet of paper, and right after my visualization exercise, I let my thoughts flow for at least ten minutes without stopping. I jot down everything that comes to mind, whether it’s a fleeting idea, a long-held dream, or something that seems out of reach. The key is not to self-edit; just write whatever comes to mind, creating a raw collection of hopes, dreams, and projects. This helps clarify what excites me and often leads to unexpected insights.
3. Create a list
After jotting down everything I want to focus on for the year, I take a moment to read through my list. This helps me reflect on my goals and intentions. Then, on a separate piece of paper, I brainstorm ideas for my word of the year. I let my mind wander, writing down any words that pop into my head. The goal is to capture raw thoughts, emphasizing spontaneity and creativity. Don’t overthink it—just let the words flow.
My tip for this step is to write down any word that comes to mind, one word per line. This keeps things organized and makes it easier to reflect later. Write as many words as you like, without limits. It’s a freeing experience that encourages creativity and taps into your innermost thoughts. Avoid critiquing or editing; this is about exploration, not judgment. By expressing yourself freely, you might discover a word that truly resonates with your intentions for the year.
4. Review, refine & pick your word
Go through your list and pick your top choices. As you look over your list, you might notice a pattern. Do any words stand out and make you feel excited, nervous, scared, or at ease? Sometimes the words that scare us mean we’re on the right path because change isn’t always easy. But finding your word can also bring peace and empowerment.
As you narrow it down, think about the words and see which one feels right. Don’t overthink it; trust your gut. This final review might take time, and you might feel stuck, which is why it’s important not to overthink—just go with your gut feeling.
The first time I did this, I struggled to choose the ONE, so I asked others for their opinion. That was a mistake. Your word is yours alone, and it needs to resonate with you, so avoid seeking others' opinions.
5. Keep your word visible
Now that you have identify your word of the year, is important that you keep in somewhere visible, so every time you see it I can remind you of your vision for the year, your priorities and the person you wan to become.
This year I am engraving my word in a bracelet that I am planning to wear every day, so I can look at my word any time I feel lost, need to refocus on my priorities or I need a reminder of what I want to accomplish and who I want to become.
If you want to get one of your own, use this link to save 20% or enter the code CAROLINATERRAZAS20 at checkout.
Need some extra help? Download this list of words to help you get inspired
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