Setting Intentions: Choosing Your Word of the Year
01/01/2025 1:15PM
The start of a new year is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and set meaningful intentions for the months ahead. Rather than focusing on traditional resolutions that can feel restrictive or overwhelming, every January I decide to choose a word of the year. This single word serves as a guiding light, keeping me grounded and intentional as life ebbs and flows.
In this blog, I’d like to share some ways that you can choose your word of the year, integrate it into your daily life, and keep the momentum alive even when challenges arise (as they most definitely will!).
1. How to Choose Your Word of the Year
Your word should resonate with your heart and reflect the energy you want to cultivate this year. Here’s how to discover it:
Reflect: Think about the lessons of the past year. What did you learn? What would you like more of in your life?
Journal: Write down words that feel inspiring, uplifting, or empowering. Words like "growth," "courage," "peace," or "balance" might come to mind.
Visualize: Imagine yourself at the end of the year. What word describes how you want to feel?
Take your time—it’s okay if the word doesn’t come to you immediately. When you find the right one, you’ll feel it!
2. Keep Your Word Alive Every Day
Choosing your word is just the beginning. Here are some ways to remind yourself of it:
Create Visual Reminders: Write your word on sticky notes and place them where you’ll see them daily—on your mirror, computer, or dashboard of your car.
Make it Art: Turn your word into a piece of artwork for your home or workspace.
Set It as Your Phone Wallpaper: A quick glance at your phone can instantly reconnect you with your intention.
Daily Affirmations: Incorporate your word into a morning affirmation. For example, if your word is "courage," say, “Today, I will move forward with courage.”
3. When Life Gets Stagnant or Difficult
Even with the best intentions, there will be times when life feels heavy or your word feels distant. Here’s how to reignite your connection:
Reconnect with Your Why: Revisit why you chose this word. Journal about how it has impacted your journey so far.
Celebrate Small Wins: Reflect on moments when your word guided your actions, no matter how small. Sometimes looking back to see how far we’ve come is just the motivation we need to keep going.
Pair It with Action: If your word is "growth," take a small step that aligns with it—read a new book, sign up for a class, or try something outside your comfort zone.
Ask for Support: Share your word with a trusted friend or loved one who can remind you of it during tough times. Everyone can benefit from a little accountability from time to time!
4. Reignite the Movement Forward
When boredom or defeat sets in, it’s often a sign to shake things up. Here’s how to find inspiration again:
Change Your Perspective: Try looking at your word in a different light. How can it apply to areas of your life you haven’t explored yet?
Practice Gratitude: Reflect on the progress you’ve made so far. Gratitude can shift your mindset and help you appreciate the journey.
Engage in Community: Join an event, class, or workshop that aligns with your word. Sharing your intention with others can breathe new energy into your practice.
Keep in mind that this word is in no way meant to replace your goals and aspirations for the year! I’m a bit of a checklist nerd myself. :) Instead, it’s meant to be the feeling, the experience, or the promise you make to yourself that guides you towards your goals and your resolutions for the year. It can help you stay focused and in alignment with what you want for yourself.
If you’re ready to set your intentions for 2025, join me for an upcoming intention-setting practice or check out my free guided video on intention setting for the new year on YouTube. Starting this journey of living and loving intentionally may be just what you need.
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