One thing I’ve learned in establishing a Word of the Year for the past 10 years - the word doesn’t mean a damn thing if all you do is claim it and then let it get dusty up on a shelf for the rest of the year.
Because we’ve all done it. Like stereotypical New Year’s resolutions, we pick ‘em, feel inspired, but have long forgotten them by February.
Let’s make 2025 different. Make your Word or Theme for the year more than a feel-good idea, but an actual tool you could lean on to get what you want.
Here’s how I’m doing that.
My Word of the Year: Unencumbered
This year, I’m incorporating a word and a mantra.
Unencumbered.
At play in the fields of shenanigans.
Over 20 years ago, some co-worker of mine and I used to say “I’m so over it, I’m under it!”
And that’s me looking at 2025 in the face.
I’m so over *all of it,* I’m past it all.
- I’m over people with expectations that any of us have to do things a certain way in order for us to belong here.
- I’m over not speaking up when people are too damn comfortable with their general assholery.
- I’m over systems that promise to support you, but only if you comply with their very narrow idea of what is acceptable.
- I’m over words and promises and marches and tokens of solidarity, but no one really willing to put skin in the game.
- I’m over doing the same thing over and over again and expecting anything to change.
- I’m over waiting for someone to come save us.
- I’m over my own bullshit.
I don’t want to methodically plan every detail and then execute.
I want to say yes unexpected invitations, weird and wonderful adventures, and delightfully unhinged shenanigans in 2025.
Yes, I have goals I’m trying to achieve.
I’ve outlined the actual steps of how I’m going to achieve them.
In fact, my goals are pretty standard - get stronger in the gym, build my coaching practice to a certain point, have more meaningful conversations with people I love.
But the vibe and “the how” I’m going to do that is entirely different.
Unencumbered is a reminder to me to stop dragging around what doesn’t serve me: expectations, old patterns, that sweater I keep “just in case” but haven’t worn in years.
It’s also an invitation to embrace what feels free, what brings joy, and a touch of delightful chaos.
My Word of the Year can’t do all the heavy lifting, though. Naming it doesn’t make any of that just happen.
I have to use it intentionally, to create safety in difficult conversations, to stop biting my tongue in conversations that matter, so I can get what I want.
My Word of the Year is my guide:
- When a friend says something wildly inappropriate, Unencumbered reminds me to release the urge to control their behavior and instead focus on how I want to respond.
- When my spouse and I are replaying the same disagreement, Unencumbered challenges me to drop old baggage and approach the conversation with fresh eyes.
- When pitching podcasts and speaking engagements, Unencumbered is my permission to say what no one else has dared to say, that shakes up foundations and encourages others to go get what they want, too.
Your Word of the Year isn’t just about big goals or lofty ideals, it’s about who you want to be in the moments that matter most.
How to Choose Your Word of the Year
If you don’t have a word yet, here’s how to find one that truly resonates:
- Reflect on the Past Year
- What challenged you most in 2024?
- What did you learn about yourself?
- What’s one thing you want to leave behind?
- Look Ahead to 2025
- What’s one thing you want to call into your life this year?
- How do you want to feel in your day-to-day?
- Distill It Into One Word
- Think about words that capture your vision, vibe, or values. Don’t overthink it. Your word doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to feel right.
How to Make Your Word Work for You
Once you’ve chosen your word, here’s how to actually use it:
- Keep It Front and Center
- Write it on a sticky note. Set it as your phone wallpaper and the banner on your Facebook page. Add it to your calendar reminders. Make it impossible to forget.
- Channel It in Tough Moments
Ask yourself:
- How can I embody my word here?
- What would [your word] do in this situation?
- How can this word guide my next step?
- Pair It With Prompts
Use your word to journal, reflect, or brainstorm, such as
- What would a [your word] day look like?
- Where am I feeling [the opposite of your word], and how can I let that go?
- What’s one thing I can say yes to that feels [like what your word makes you feel?]
My New Year’s Wish for You
Digital creator Tenicka shared this on Threads this past week:
With all due respect, it’s people who are nowhere near as talented as you getting more out of life because they refuse to let embarrassment stop them.
2025 it’s your turn 🥂
I don’t know if unhinged shenanigan is your vibe for achieving that, but here’s to picking a word that inspires you to create the kind of year you actually want to live.
If you try this, I’d love to hear your Word of the Year and how you’re planning to use it. Drop it in the comments or shoot me a message at [email protected]. I’m cheering you on.
Let’s make 2025 our boldest, most unapologetically real year yet.
Here’s to you,
Amy
