How to Stick to the Promise You Make Yourself
As the new year approaches, many of us begin crafting ambitious resolutions. This is the year we’ll finally lose weight, save more money, spend less time on social media, and achieve everything we’ve been putting off. But let’s be honest—how often do those lists transform into lasting change?
Believe it or not, research shows that only 9% of people stick to their resolutions throughout the year. So, what if there was a better way? What if I told you to give up the idea of spending time and writing out your SMART goals as New Year’s resolutions? I challenge you to simplify the process and consider choosing just one word—a single, meaningful word that serves as your anchor, motivation, and guide for the year ahead.
The Power of One Word
Why one word? Because a word holds more power than you might imagine. It’s adaptable, fluid, and evolving—everything a rigid list of resolutions isn’t.
A word focuses on who you want to become, not just what you want to do. It’s a mindset shift that helps you embrace growth and transformation without the pressure of ticking boxes or meeting arbitrary deadlines.
Take, for example, one of my clients, Kate. After being laid off last November, she felt stuck—burnt out from overworking, her marriage strained, in the thick of momming with a toddler, and her sense of self eroded. When we started to work together, she laughed when I asked her what she did to fill her cup. Her response, which I will never forget, was, “My cup? Ha! My cup is always empty. My responsibility is to fill everyone’s cup before my own.” My mouth dropped; this lady needed my help! Together, we worked to define her vision for 2024, and she chose the word transformation.
Over the year, Kate radically reshaped her life. She launched a thriving business, guided her child through an early behavioral assessment that improved their family dynamic, committed to dating her husband again, and experienced a spiritual awakening that brought her peace. By focusing on transformation, her goals evolved into something larger than she ever imagined, creating abundance in every corner of her life.
A word creates space for your goals to grow, expand, and manifest into something even bigger than you initially imagined.
The Benefits of Choosing a Word
How can one word implement radical transformation and replace a dozen resolutions? Let’s break it down:
It’s Motivating
Use your word as a source of inspiration. Your word reminds you why you’re showing up when life gets busy or hard (as it inevitably will).
It Evolves With You
Resolutions often feel limiting. Once you achieve them, then what? A word grows with you. As you evolve, so does your understanding of how your word applies to your life.
It’s Less Overwhelming
Forget juggling ten different goals. One word can guide your decisions without the stress of trying to be perfect in every area of your life.
It Focuses on Growth, Not Perfection
Resolutions often set us up for failure because they demand perfection. A word, on the other hand, invites progress. If your word is balance, it doesn’t matter if you miss a yoga class or skip a family dinner—it’s about continuously striving to create harmony in your life.
How to Choose Your Word
Choosing a word is a deeply personal process, but here are a few steps to help:
- Reflect on the Past Year: What were your biggest challenges? Your proudest moments? Reflecting on where you’ve been lets you clarify where you want to go.
- Identify Your Core Values: What matters most to you? Family, growth, adventure, peace? Your word should align with your core values.
- Listen to Your Intuition: Your word should feel right. If it resonates deeply and excites you, you’ve found the one.
If you need help with reflection and identifying your core values, I have a free tool to help you. Download the Dream Life Guide today to help you identify where you want to go in 2025.
Let Your Word Evolve
Studies show that 92% of adults don’t follow through on their resolutions, often overwhelmed by too many goals. The beauty of choosing a word is that it’s not set in stone. As you grow, your word will reveal new dimensions. A word like trust might start as a call to trust yourself and end the year as an invitation to trust the timing of life.
This flexibility is what makes a word so powerful. It’s a resolution that doesn’t confine you but expands with you. Imagine starting 2025 with clarity, confidence, and a word that resonates deeply with who you are and want to become.
Your Word Can Be the Promise You Keep
Choosing a word for the year simplifies your goals while amplifying your impact. It’s a promise to yourself to grow, evolve, and lean into the life you want to create.
Are you concerned you may forget your word when life gets busy? Do as Kate did and engrave it on a piece of jewelry, a keychain, or even your laptop case. Whatever it is, make sure you use it daily to see the constant reminder. She said that whenever she put her necklace on or touched it throughout the day, her mind would whisper, “Transformation.” The reminder helped keep Kate on target when making big decisions or allocating her time.
So, what will your word be for 2025? Take time to reflect, listen inward, and trust. Remember, like my client Kate, one small word can lead to big changes.
Here’s to a year filled with growth, inspiration, and the courage to keep moving forward.
Ready to take the first step toward a year of transformation? Let me help you! Download the Dream Life Guide and start living your word today.