I previously wrote about how I usually don’t commit to New Year’s resolutions, but one thing I have done for the last few years is choose a word of the year. A ‘word of the year’ is a word you choose to reflect your intention for the year ahead. It is a word you can align your actions towards throughout the year. Last year, my word was ‘connection’, and everything I did focused towards honouring that – including moving back to Wales!

Why choose a Word of the Year?

Choosing a word of the year is a flexible way to set the tone for the next 12 months, helping you to focus on what truly matters to you. Unlike strict resolutions, it acts as a guide rather than demanding perfection. It also encourages growth and can push you out of your comfort zone without requiring any extra work.

My Word of the Year.

My word for 2025 is ‘impact’. This is something that really resonates with me this year as I have so many goals that I have juggled for years, and ultimately end up procrastinating on all of them. This year I want to take aligned action and ensure that everything I do will take me leaps towards the life that I want.

If you’re wondering why this post is popping up at the end of January rather than at the beginning of the year, here’s the truth: I wanted to give myself time.

I’ve learned from experience that I sometimes rush into big plans, only to find myself second-guessing them a week (or even a day!) later. By waiting until the end of January, I feel like I’m choosing my word from a place of clarity, rather than impulse.

So, if you’re still figuring things out or think it’s “too late” to choose your word, let this be your reminder: there’s no perfect timeline for starting fresh. Whether you pick your word on January 1st, July 1st, or even December 1st, what matters most is that it feels meaningful to you.

How to Choose a Word

• Reflect on the Past Year: Think about your struggles, wins, and what you’d like more or less of in your life.
• Journal: Writing your thoughts when choosing your word might bring something up for you that you wouldn’t have thought of otherwise.
• Look Ahead: Visualise the year ahead – what you want to feel, accomplish, or focus on by the end of the year.
• Brainstorm Words: Jot down words that resonate with your reflections and shortlist ones that inspire or excite you.
• Go with Your Gut: Trust your intuition and choose a word that feels meaningful and motivating.

How to Implement Your Word

• Keep It Visible: You can create reminders like a vision board or using it as your phone wallpaper.
• Set Goals and Habits: Align your word with actionable steps or daily habits (e.g., if your word is “joy,” do something joyful daily).
• Check In Regularly: Reflect weekly or monthly to ensure your actions align with your word’s intention.
• Be Flexible: Let your word evolve as needed, or adjust it if it no longer resonates.

Word of the Year Ideas

Have you chosen a ‘word of the year’ or has this inspired you to have one?