Word of the Year – The New New Year’s Resolution?
Five years ago, one of my team members shared with me that every year she chose a “word of the year”. I had never heard of that practice before and it intrigued me!
I love words. Quotes inspire me. Books encourage me. Words of affirmation are my love language. So this was right up my alley! I asked her to tell me more…
She shared with me that she chose a word of the year to help guide her with the choices she was making in the year ahead, so that they would be aligned with her goals and her dreams. It is a tool to help make more intentional decisions and to provide focus. Since learning about this practice, I have done more research and found that some people even use a word of the year instead of setting resolutions.
I chose a word of the year that year, and every year since. It has been a powerful tool to help guide my thoughts, my decisions and my actions. Plus having a word of the year is sort of like creating a party theme, and if you know me you know I love a good theme!!
When I first started creating a word of the year, I didn’t really know how to choose just one. I looked at various lists available online, and wrote down the words that resonated with me. From that short list, I thought ahead to the following year and imagined each word as the guiding principle for that year, which helped me to narrow down that short list into my list. Now that I have been doing this for a few years, the words tend to “come to me” and I keep a list in my phone notes, and usually by the time it is time for me to pick one, there is already a clear frontrunner.
To help you get started, I’ve created this list of words for you to review and pick from!
Since starting this practice, I’ve taken it two steps further. I am a visual person so the first thing I did, starting year 1, is I got a bracelet made with my word of the year on it. It was a simple visual reminder for me – and it also turned out to be a great conversation starter! I’ve continued this practice every year since. In fact, my 2025 word of the year bracelet is sitting in my mailbox waiting to be opened as I type this!
And in 2024, I started a new practice which I have absolutely benefited from. I took my word of the year and made it into an acronym, with each letter representing a different mantra, affirmation or thought process that I want to work on. Every morning, as I start my day going through my morning routine, I review that acronym and it really helps set my mindset and focus for the day. I will definitely be repeating this in 2025!
In addition to the list of word options provided above, let me share what my past words have been to help inspire you to choose your own word of the year!
2020: Connect (ironic, given the pandemic that year, however that made it ever more powerful!)
2021: Empower
2022: Intention
2023: Mutual
2024: Abundance
And for 2025, the word I have chosen is (drum roll, please!)…
CLARITY.
I will tell you, each of the words I have chosen have absolutely help me to make positive changes in my life, take chances that I might not have otherwise taken, and to take steps even closer to living the lifestyle and creating the business that is truly ME.
So now it’s your turn. And I would be thrilled if you would share your word with me? Email me at hi@hellocoaching.info and let me know what word you pick!
