Every December, I take a quiet moment to reflect—not on resolutions, but on one word. One word that will guide me through the next 365 days.
I’ve embraced this tradition for years, and it has proven far more impactful than any fleeting list of New Year’s resolutions.
John Maxwell first shared this idea with me many years ago.
At the time, I didn’t fully grasp its power. But later, especially after seeing what it did for me and for others like Eric, I came to appreciate its transformative potential.
In 2019, when I pivoted from my corporate career to pursue leadership excellence as an entrepreneur, I was all over the place. I transitioned from having a boss to being my own boss.
There were so many things to do, and my efforts were scattered. That’s when I was reminded of the word of the year.
In 2020 (yes, the year of the COVID pandemic), my word of the year was “strategic.” Everything I did that year had to align with my focus areas.
It became my filter for decisions, actions, and priorities. And it made all the difference in the world. But you don’t have to take my word for it; let me share how it helped Eric.
A couple of years ago, I worked with a leader named Eric. Eric was a technical manager in a fast-growing engineering company.
Like many of us, he was overwhelmed. His calendar was packed, his team was struggling with deadlines, and he felt pulled in every direction.
When we first met in January, he shared his long list of New Year’s resolutions—exercise more, delegate better, be more present at home, and the list went on.
But by February, Eric admitted he was already off track. “I just don’t have the time,” he confessed, frustration etched across his face.
I’ve found that resolutions often fail because they’re too scattered. They demand too much focus on too many fronts, leaving us overwhelmed and, ultimately, stagnant.
So, I introduced Eric to the idea of choosing a word for the year.
At first, he was skeptical. “How can one word make a difference?” he asked. But he agreed to give it a try.
After some reflection, Eric chose the word “focus.” It resonated with him because it represented everything he felt he was lacking—clarity, direction, and the ability to prioritize.
I asked him to keep “focus” visible.
He wrote it on a sticky note and placed it on his computer monitor. He set it as his phone wallpaper.
Every morning, he took a few minutes to think about what “focus” meant for that day.
When his calendar felt chaotic, he would pause and ask, “Am I focused on what matters most?”
Within weeks, Eric began noticing a shift. Instead of spreading himself thin, he started saying no to low-priority tasks.
His team meetings became shorter but more productive. He even found time to coach a junior engineer—something he’d been putting off for months.
By the end of the year, Eric shared that this simple practice had transformed not just his work life but also his personal life.
Why is choosing a word so powerful?
Unlike resolutions, which often fragment our attention, a single word acts as a unifying theme.
It’s easy to remember, and it becomes a lens through which you view your decisions, actions, and even setbacks. It’s not about achieving perfection but about creating alignment—in your thoughts, priorities, and behaviors.
If you’re intrigued, here’s how you can find your word for the year:
1. Reflect on the past year.
What challenges did you face? What victories stood out? Think about the lessons you learned and the areas where you struggled.
This isn’t about dwelling on regrets but about identifying patterns. For Eric, the chaos of juggling too many priorities made “focus” an obvious choice.
2. Imagine your ideal year ahead.
Close your eyes and visualize December 31st of next year.
What do you want to feel proud of? How do you want to grow? Maybe you want to cultivate “connection” with your team or “courage” to step into a bigger role. Let these aspirations guide you.
3. Choose a word that resonates.
Don’t overthink it. The right word often feels like it chooses you.
Write down a few possibilities and sit with them for a day or two. Which one feels like it aligns with your goals and values?
4. Keep it visible.
Once you’ve chosen your word, make it part of your daily routine. Write it down where you’ll see it often—on your desk, in your planner, or as a reminder on your phone. Let it anchor you, especially on challenging days.
This year, my word is “strategic” again. It reminds me to cut through the noise, stay true to my purpose, and make decisions that align with my values. Every time I feel the pull of distraction, I come back to that word.
What about you? As you look ahead to the new year, what word will guide you?
If you’re not sure where to start, think about the areas where you most want to grow—as a leader, a team member, or even in your personal life. Your word doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to mean something to you.
Lately, I came across Jon Gordon’s work, which calls this principle “One Word.” He even has a book on it. It’s a reminder that sometimes the simplest practices can yield the most profound results.
I invite you to try this practice. And if you’d like to share your word, comment below.
What word will guide you in 2025?
Share it in the comments—I can’t wait to see what you choose! I’d love to hear it.
Remember, leadership isn’t about doing everything; it’s about doing the right things well. One word can be the compass that keeps you on course.
Happy New Year!
Florin
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