With December now upon us, the year is rapidly coming to a close. While it is the perfect time to reflect upon the past year, most prefer to look forward to what is next. The end of the year sparks the imagining of new chapters and drafting of resolutions to pursue as January begins. We envision healthier versions of ourselves and enthusiastically face the new year with optimism for what is possible to achieve.

A drawback to our excitement for the approaching new year is that it is easy to overlook the critical connection of imagined behaviors aligned with our underlying values and needs. We can get caught up in our New Year’s resolutions and forget to root them deeply into our why.  In doing so, we can miss the opportunity to reflect on the bigger picture, including what is important about the life and wellness we wish to create. The result can be a disconnect with our resolutions and frustration if they fail to work out as envisioned or planned.

To connect our hopes for the new year more deeply with our authentic selves, then, what if we tried a different approach to this annual transition of the year? Instead of crafting resolutions or new chapters, what if we identified a one-word intention to anchor us in what truly matters to us most? This word could become a flexible touchstone, aligning our mindset, decisions, and actions with our desires for well-being and growth. With such an approach, we can focus more on purpose and balance, prepared to navigate the year resilient to whatever circumstances unfold.

With one-word intentions, goal setting can become more intentional, too. In providing direction, our one-word intentions can guide the identification of purposeful actions that make sense for the wellness we envision and desire. A word such as "balance," for example, might inspire a blending of goals focused on work, self-care, and relationships; "strength,” on the other hand, might remind us of our capacities to overcome. The power of the single word is that it can both ground us in our values and provide focus – ultimately, our one-word intentions open space for us to grow into our visions of our best selves.

Though finding a single word to capture an entire year might feel intimidating, setting a one-word intention is by no means difficult or complex. By uncovering who we are and the life we wish to unfold, we can reflect on what we value most and hope to nurture in the months ahead. Then, in tandem with our learnings from this past year, we can draw out the words that capture our vision of what life could be. The final step comes in choosing the word that draws us in, resonates deeply, and inspires living with intention in the year ahead.

If you are interested in trying this approach for your new year’s transition, walk through these reflections to see what words arise for you…

• What did 2024 teach you?

  • What key lessons do you want to carry forward or leave behind?

• How do you want to feel at the end of 2025?

  • What personal, professional, or wellness goals do you see yourself achieving?

• What words align with how you want to approach the new year?

  • How would these words impact your goals and intentions for the new year?

• Which word speaks to you most and to your deepest intentions for the year ahead?

  • Which word do you feel connected to when you imagine your best self in 2025?

Once that intention is found, we can then strategize to keep it at the forefront of our minds. Creating visual reminders, such as sticky notes or on a phone background, helps reinforce the intention so it remains an integral part of our journey throughout the year. Regular reflection is equally important, ensuring our word continually influences actions and mindset on our wellness path. Additionally, we want to remember to celebrate small wins when our words positively shape our choices and keep us motivated all year long.

Choosing one word is more than a resolution; it is a lens through which we can view the year ahead. It grounds our wellness journey in intention and adaptability, helping us to navigate challenges and celebrate growth. Whether our words inspire balance, joy, or vitality, they are gentle yet powerful reminders of the life we want to nurture and grow. When we let our one-word guide our intentions and shape our goals, we create a foundation for lasting health, wellness, and happiness that matches our hopes and dreams for the new year.

What word will you use to shape your 2025?