Choosing a Word of the Year gives you clarity, motivation and a sense of direction. If you’ve never chosen one before, in this blog, I explain why and how to choose a Word of the Year.
For the first time a year ago I decided to choose a Word of the Year, and it was an absolute game-changer for me. Sitting down in January, I felt a little lost and overwhelmed with everything I could do, and unsure what I should focus on. I needed something to give me direction and purpose. I don’t believe in New Year’s resolutions (we’ve all set them and forgotten them by February, right?!), but a Word of the Year felt different. it’s not rigid or overwhelming. Once I decided on mine it felt personal, and, honestly, empowering. It became a quiet nudge, gently guiding me throughout this year. And gosh, what a difference it made.
If you’ve never chosen one before, or you’re wondering if it’s worth it, let me explain why and how to choose a word of the year, plus how to actually use it to make a difference to your whole year.
Why choose a word of the year?
It’s so easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and business. There is always so much stuff to do, and you can end up constantly feeling spread too thin. And then you get to the end of the year and wonder what you’ve actually achieved. Sound familiar? But, a Word of the Year changes all that.
Your own word brings it all back to what truly matters. I found this year, it’s been a way to cut through the noise and remind myself of the bigger picture.
In January I decided my word was ‘Build’. I was coming off the back of a difficult few years personally with multiple rounds of IVF and losing my dad. I wanted to build something new. I set up an Instagram account called Business Secrets Club, and ‘Build’ was my intention. I wanted to push myself beyond my comfort zone, to build something not just for me, but for others too. Whenever I felt stuck or uncertain, I’d come back to that word, and it helped me refocus.
What happened?
I built a community of 75K entrepreneurs.
I built a brand and this website.
And most importantly I built my confidence again
It genuinely changed my whole year, just having this word written down and repeatedly coming back to it.
Having a word of the year gives you clarity, and motivation and keeps you on track. No more feeling overwhelmed, your word becomes your little anchor keeping you inspired and a constant reminder of what matters.
How to choose your word of the year
If you’re wondering how to pick the perfect word, don’t worry, I’ve got you. It’s not about finding the right word but about finding the one that feels right for you. Your word can be very different to anyone else’s.
Here’s the process I went through that I’ll be doing again this year:
1. Reflect on the past year
Go to a coffee shop with a notebook (this should feel super fun and like a treat!) and reflect on the past year. Here are some questions that always help me:
- What worked in the last year? What am I proud of, and what brought me joy?
- What didn’t work so well for me in the last year?
- What do I want to do more of in the year to come?
- What do I want to change or do less of in the year to come?
2. Allow yourself to dream about the year ahead
Picture the year that you want to create. Visualise your business and your life. How do you want to feel? What stands out?
3. Brainstorm words
Write down all the words that come to mind without overthinking it, You can also use my list of 120 Word of the Year ideas below and write down the ones that immediately jump out at you.
4. Narrow down your shortlist
Test the words and narrow them down to two or three. Sit with each one, say them to yourself. Which feels inspiring? Which really excites you and feels right for the year ahead?
5. Choose your word
When you know, you know. Pick the one that resonates most with you, and, importantly, decide you are going to commit to it.
How to Use Your Word of the Year
Now, here’s the really fun part. You have chosen your word of the year, and now you are going to bring it to life! You aren’t going to leave it in that notebook and forget about it. For your word of the year to work, you need to embed it into your whole being for the year ahead.
Here are some ideas for how to use your Word of the Year:
- Make it visible. I put mine on a post-it on my desk, at the front of my planner and in a pinned phone note. You can put it anywhere you will see it regularly, even your phone background or your mirror!
- Use it in decision-making. Whenever you’re unsure about a choice, ask yourself, “Does this align with my word?” This is a game-changer. There were loads of things I didn’t do this year because they didn’t fit with my word.
- Incorporate it into your goals. Whether you’re planning for the next few months or tackling a big project, let your word influence your direction. Everything from your business aims to your personal decisions can tie back to your word.
- Reflect on it. Check in throughout the year. How is your word showing up in your life? Are you living it, or do you need to course-correct?
My Challenge to You
So, that’s why and how to choose a word of the year. This isn’t about making a resolution that you will keep ot not, it’s about helping you find your own personal intention that is aligned with the direction you want your business and life to take.
Take some time to reflect, and choose a word that excites you. Trust me, you’ll be amazed at how much it can shape and change your year.
I’d love to hear your word! Share it with me in the comments below, and let’s make this year your best one yet.
P.S. If you need a lovely notebook to write in, I'd highly recommend my stationery business Martha Brook, which I run alongside Business Secrets Club! My absolute fave is our Personalised A5 Vegan Leather Notebook.
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