#32: Jumpstart Your 2025

start 2025 with clarity and focus

If we were chatting over a cup of coffee and I asked about your goals for 2025, I’d guess they’d all have one thing in common: the desire for a happier, more fulfilling life. Whether you’re dreaming about prioritizing your health, carving out more time with family, or finally tackling that big project you’ve been putting off, your goals reflect your commitment to building a life you love.

But let’s be honest. Good intentions don’t always lead to lasting results. How many times have we set resolutions in January, only to see them fizzle out by February? (Been there!) The question is—why does this happen? And how can we do things differently this year?

Here’s the answer: choose a “Word of the Year” to guide your actions and decisions. This simple, science-backed approach makes all the difference.

why goals often fizzle out

Psychologists have uncovered four key reasons why goals can feel so hard to stick with:

1. Too Many Goals: When you set too many goals, it’s like trying to juggle five browser tabs at once. Overwhelming, right? Spreading your energy thin makes it harder to focus.
2. Choosing “Should” Goals: Goals rooted in what you think you should do—like “I should lose weight” or “I should be more productive”—often lack personal meaning. Without genuine passion, motivation fades fast.
3. Skipping Reflection: If you don’t take the time to reflect on what worked (and what didn’t) last year, you’re more likely to repeat the same patterns.
4. Task-Focused Thinking:Viewing goals as rigid, all-or-nothing tasks (e.g., “exercise 30 minutes daily”) can make one slip-up feel like failure. Flexibility is key to long-term success.

The Power of a word of the year

A “Word of the Year” acts as your personal compass for the year ahead. Unlike traditional resolutions, it’s flexible and adaptable—helping you make decisions that align with your values and priorities. It’s less about rigid goals and more about creating a mindset shift.

For example, if your word is “health,” it’s not about strict gym schedules. Instead, you might ask, “Does this choice support my focus on health?” when faced with a decision. Maybe that means skipping the donuts and inviting a friend for a walk instead. It’s about making choices that align with your vision without feeling restricted.

step 1: reflect on 2024

Before choosing your word, take a moment to reflect on the past year. Ask yourself:

• What brought me joy in 2024? What drained my energy?
• What accomplishments am I proud of? What challenges did I face?
• If I could change one thing about last year, what would it be?

Use tools like photo albums, journals, or even your calendar to jog your memory. Reflection isn’t just about analyzing the past—it’s about identifying patterns and lessons to carry forward.

STep 2: choose your word

Now for the fun part! Your word should capture what you want to prioritize in 2025. Here’s how to find it:

1. Brainstorm: Write down words that resonate with you like “balance,” “growth,” “family,” “confidence,” or “peace.”
2. Say It Out Loud: Does it feel right when you say it? Does it inspire or excite you?
3. Look for Themes: If several words stand out, see if they share a common thread. For example, “focus” and “clarity” might point to a desire for intentional living.
4. Trust Your Gut: There’s no perfect word. Choose one that feels meaningful and motivating to you.

Step 3: make it visible

Your word can only guide you if you keep it top of mind. Here’s how to do that:

• Write it on sticky notes and place them where you’ll see them daily.
• Set it as your phone’s lock screen.
• Order a custom keychain, bracelet, or plaque with your word.
• Use it as a daily affirmation: “Today, I choose [word].”

step 4: take small steps

Once you’ve chosen your word, start small. It’s not about overhauling your life overnight—it’s about consistent, intentional choices. For example:

• If your word is “health,” start with a glass of water in the morning or a 10-minute walk.
• If your word is “family,” plan a family game night or call a loved one.
• If your word is “growth,” read one chapter of a book or take a free online class.

These small wins build momentum and keep you aligned with your word.

step 5: celebrate and adjust

As the year goes on, celebrate your wins—big and small. Remember, your word isn’t a rigid rule; it’s a guide. If life throws a curveball, adjust your actions while staying true to your word. The beauty of this approach is its flexibility.

IN THIS EPISODE, we’ll talk about…

• The importance of goal setting.
• The power of a word to guide your year.
• How to reflect, choose your word, and take small, actionable steps to stay on track.

download your 2025 workbook

I wanted to make it really easy to figure out the perfect Word of the Year, so I created a free Jumpstart workbook to help you get started.

Click the big blue button to grab your workbook and start creating a year that aligns with your vision and values. Let’s make 2025 your best year yet!

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