Finding Your Word of the Year

The start of a new year brings a sense of possibility—a chance to reflect, reset, and move forward with intention. But let’s be honest: New Year’s resolutions can feel overwhelming or even fleeting. What if instead of a list of goals, you chose one word to guide your year?

A single word might seem simple, but it holds profound power. It can act as your Inner Compass, grounding your decisions and reminding you of the person you want to become. And when you come from a background where you are trained to depend on God for all of the answers, something simple like this can do wonders in building a foundation of self trust. 

Remember, it’s about direction, not perfection.

Why Choose One Word?

Traditional resolutions often focus on specific actions, like "lose weight" or "save money." While these are valuable, they can sometimes feel rigid or overly focused on outcomes. Choosing a word, however, shifts the focus to your intention. It’s flexible, adaptable, and personal. Your word becomes a lens through which you approach every part of your life, from relationships to self-care (something we talk about ALL the time at Happy Whole U). The best part is that no one gets to dictate what is important to you now. YOU get to choose... and what better way to express your values than by choosing a word to guide your year. So here is how to choose your word for 2025.

1). Reflect on 2024

Start by looking back at 2024. What went well? What challenges did you face? What lessons did you learn? Maybe you discovered a need for more balance, realized the value of courage, or felt a desire for deeper connections. Let those reflections guide you toward what you want to focus on in 2025. You can even use these prompts to help you. 

2). Envision Your Year

Take a moment to picture your ideal 2025. What do you want more of in your life? What kind of person do you hope to grow more into? What values matter most to you right now? How do you want to feel this time next year when you're looking back at 2025?

3). Choose Your Word

Jot down the words that resonate with you. You can always brainstorm with friends, look in the thesaurus or create a mood board on Pinterest of the feeling you're trying to welcome in this year. There’s no need to overthink it. Once you have a few options, choose the one that speaks to you the most. You can also use this sheet to help with finding a word. 

There’s no wrong choice here. 

Living Out Your Word

Choosing a word is just the beginning. The magic happens when you weave it into your daily life. Here are a few ways to make your word a meaningful part of 2025:

• Keep it Visible: Write it in your journal, find a symbol to represent it and display it on your desk, or create art inspired by it. Seeing your word regularly will keep it fresh in your mind. Be sure to check back here all month long because we're posting a lot of creative and FUN ideas!

• Use It as a Mantra: When making decisions or facing challenges, ask yourself, "Does this align with my word?"

• Check In Regularly: Set aside time each month to reflect on how your word is shaping your year. Are you noticing its impact? Do you need to recalibrate

This year is yours to shape, and your word can be a steady, guiding inner compass. Whether it’s "Connection," "Bravery," or something uniquely personal, let it remind you of your intentions and anchor you as you navigate 2025.

So, what will your word be? Take a deep breath, tune in, and trust the process. Here’s to a year filled with purpose, growth, and meaning—one word at a time