New Year's resolutions and goals can be tricky and feel like work. We set lofty goals, only to find our motivation fizzling out by February, which can lead to feelings of failure and lack of interest in identifying goals for the following year. If you are struggling to identify your 2025 goals, here is a different approach: choose a word, theme, phrase, or even a poem to guide your intentions.
Choosing a word or theme allows you to set intentions that are less about rigid "have-tos" and more about cultivating a feeling or experience. This approach keeps your goals meaningful and enjoyable, even amidst life's unexpected twists and turns. It's about embracing flexibility and adjusting your course as needed, ensuring you continuously grow and thrive throughout the year.
Why A Word(s) Can Be A Goal?
Focus: Words can act as a compass, keeping your intentions clear throughout the year.
Flexibility: Unlike rigid resolutions, words allow for growth and adaptation as the year unfolds.
Inspiration: A powerful word or phrase can ignite your motivation and spark creative ideas.
Meaning and Purpose: We’re more likely to follow through with ideas that interest us, help us feel purposeful, and create meaning.
Fun: Often people don’t follow through with NY goals because they feel like work. Choosing word(s) can create lightness and feel more fun.
How to Choose Your Word, Phrases, Poem:
Reflect: What do you want to cultivate this year? What values or qualities do you want to embody? What words do you often say, reflect on, or use as advice to others?
Explore: Brainstorm words that resonate with your intentions. Look for inspiration in books, bumper stickers, tv shows, quotes, or nature. Consider researching poems, inspirational speeches, book passages, or monologues for inspiration.
Listen: Pay attention to words or sayings that keep popping up in your life. They might be trying to tell you something!
Example Words: Courage, Grow, Connection, Simplify, Flexible, Learn, Heal, Resilient, Declutter, Strength, Adventure, Fun, Active, Create, Play, Efficient, Focus, Grace, Acceptance, Invent, Transform, Wellness, Mindfulness, Relax, Communicate
Examples Phrases/Sayings: “Let it go,” “Stress less, more fun” “You’re A Badass,”
“Be the change you wish to see in the world,” “Give myself grace,” “Be true to thyself,” “You are the architect of your destiny,” “Progress over perfection,” “Embrace the mess,” “Does this bring me joy?,” “Choose kindness,” “Own your story,” “Be my own kind of beautiful,” “Good Vibes Only," “You got this!”
Putting Your Word(s) into Action:
Write it down: Keep your word visible as a daily reminder. Consider putting a sticky note on your mirror, add it to your phone, or write an entry on your planner.
Visualize: Imagine yourself living in alignment with your word. What would you be doing and how would you feel?
Set small goals: Break down your intentions into manageable steps.
Reflect regularly: Check in with yourself throughout the year to see how your word is guiding your journey. Consider putting monthly alerts in your phone or reminders on your planner.