As the new year approaches, familiar promises to exercise more, eat better, save money, or finally tackle that long-neglected project run through our minds. New Year’s resolutions often start strong but fade as the weeks pass, leaving us feeling overwhelmed, guilty, or uninspired.

But there’s a gentler, more powerful alternative: a word of the year.

A word of the year isn’t a rigid goal or a specific task to check off a list. Instead, it’s a blank page that invites one word to set the tone—a theme that can anchor you throughout the year, no matter what comes your way. It’s flexible and forgiving and can offer much needed clarity and direction throughout the year.

Why a Word of the Year Works Better than a Resolution

Resolutions often focus on doing, while a word of the year focuses on being. Instead of setting external expectations, you’re choosing an intention—one word that can weave itself into your daily life. Whether it’s courage, balance, growth, or joy, your word becomes a subtle reminder when you need motivation, strength, comfort, or focus.

My word of the year always brings me extra comfort and reminds me of my priorities or how I want to feel. In years past I’ve picked words like gratitude, give, magic, nourish, and savor.

For 2025, my word is meaningful. I want to focus on the things that bring value and fulfillment and let go of the rest. I’ll keep aiming for depth and clarity in myself, my creative endeavors, and my relationships and keep things in my life as authentic and real as possible.

Having a word of the year is like carrying a compass in your pocket. On days when you feel lost or uncertain, you can come back to your word and let it gently remind you of what truly matters.

How to Choose Your Word

Choosing your word is a personal and intuitive process, but here are some steps to guide you:

1. Reflect on the past year: What lessons did you learn? What challenges did you face? What moments brought you the most joy?

2. Look ahead: What do you want more of in your life? How do you want to feel every day?

3. Brainstorm words: Write down words that resonate with you. Don’t overthink it—let them flow.

4. Narrow it down: Look at your list and notice which word feels right. The one that stirs something in your heart or makes you exhale with relief might be the one.

5. Embrace your word: Once you’ve chosen your word, let it become a part of your daily life. Write it in your journal, create a vision board around it, or order a 2025 word of the year print from my shop and keep it visible.

If you need help coming up with word ideas, read 25 Inspiring Word of the Year Ideas.

Let Your Word Guide You

If your word is calm, let it remind you to pause when life feels chaotic. If it’s brave, let it nudge you forward when fear holds you back. Whatever your word is, trust that it has something to teach you.

My friend Morgann Elyce Davis wrote a Word of the Year Inspiration blog post sharing how a single word has helped her navigate life’s greatest joys and most devastating challenges.

As we step into a new year, consider setting aside the pressure of resolutions and instead choose a word that feels like a warm invitation to embrace your best self. One word… infinite possibilities.

Have you ever chosen a word of the year? Share your word and the story behind it—I’d love to hear!

Happy New Year!

With love,

Alison Rose

Social media: @alisonrosevintage

Shop: alisonrosevintage.com