PurpleReset

A guiding word can save you a whole lotta stress – if you don’t have one then you should. 

Here’s a handy guide on how to Find Your Guiding Word for the Year

A guiding word is like a compass—it keeps you focused, intentional and grounded as you move through the year. Unlike resolutions, which can feel restrictive, a guiding word provides a flexible framework for growth, clarity, and purpose.

Let’s explore how to choose your guiding word, how it can shape your year, and how my 2024 word, foundation, transformed my life and set me up for what’s next.

Why Choose a Guiding Word?

Life can feel overwhelming with its constant demands and shifting priorities. A guiding word helps you:

• Stay focused on what matters.
• Make decisions aligned with your values.
• Create a sense of purpose without rigid goals.

Instead of spreading your energy thin, your word becomes a gentle reminder of what you truly want to cultivate in your life.

Reflecting on 2024: My Word Was “Foundation”

At the start of 2024, I chose foundation as my guiding word. It reflected a pivotal time in my life:

• I moved across the country to start a new chapter.
• I set up a new home, creating a space that felt intentional and nurturing.
• I prioritized family time, fostering deeper connections with loved ones.
• I built a new social life, meeting people who aligned with my values.
• I began a new job, focusing on stability and growth.

While I had big dreams for growing my business, I gave myself permission to set that aside for the year. My guiding word allowed me to focus on what was most important—laying the groundwork for a more intentional life.

Looking back, I see how powerful it was to have foundation as my compass. It kept me from feeling overwhelmed and reminded me that everything meaningful begins with strong roots. Now, as I step into 2025, I’m ready to build on that foundation.

Choosing Your Guiding Word for 2025

Finding your word involves reflection, intuition, and clarity. Here’s how to uncover the word that will guide you through 2025:

1. Reflect on the Past Year

Ask yourself:

• What did I achieve in 2024?
• What challenges did I face?
• What do I want to carry forward, and what do I want to leave behind?

For me, 2024 was about grounding myself in a new life. As I look ahead, I’m ready to grow in areas I intentionally paused, like my business.

2. Visualize the Year Ahead

Close your eyes and imagine December 2025. What do you hope to feel, accomplish, or become? Let this vision guide you.

• Do you crave growth, balance, or joy?
• Is this a year of bold action or quiet reflection?

3. Brainstorm Words

Write down words that resonate with your intentions for the year. Consider words like growth, balance, courage, explore, focus, or freedom.

What’s My Word for 2025?

With my foundation solid, I feel ready to build. Though I have not actually chosen my word for 2025 I am spitballing around the themes: bold action/growth, it’s time to grow my business, nurture the seeds I planted in 2024, and step into opportunities with confidence. I want to jump into building a journaling community which will be a new prospect for me. So I shall have a think, I am pretty certain that it will come to me, as all the words have over the years.

How to Use Your Guiding Word

Once you’ve chosen your word, here’s how to integrate it into your year:

1. Make It Visible

Write your word somewhere you’ll see it daily—on your journal, a sticky note, or as your phone background. I make a new phone background with images and the word.

2. Set Micro-Goals

Align your word with small, actionable steps. For example, if your word is balance, set goals around self-care, work boundaries, and relationships. My word is generally decided after i have done my yearly planning/brainstorming session.

3. Revisit It Regularly

Check in with your word during monthly reflections. Ask: Am I living in alignment with my word?

4. Be Flexible

Your word is a guide, not a rule. Let it evolve with you as the year unfolds.

Your Turn: What’s Your Word for 2025?

Choosing a guiding word is a deeply personal process, and there’s no right or wrong choice. It’s about finding what resonates with where you are and where you want to go.

As I move into 2025, I will allow my word to guide me and assist when difficult decisions pop up. What word will guide you through the next chapter of your life? Share it in the comments or journal about it—it’s the first step toward an intentional, meaningful year.

Ready to start your journaling journey? Explore my collection of thoughtfully designed journals to help you make the most of your practice. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned journaler, there’s a perfect journal waiting for you. Let’s write your way to clarity, calm, and growth! You can read here why I decided to create this collection