As a new year begins, it’s natural to reflect on where we’ve been and where we’re heading. It’s why I encourage clients to plan their year and connect with their vision, it’s a big focus on my annual planning workshop being held on the 14th January.
But while goal-setting is important, there’s something magical about anchoring your year with a single guiding word OR phrase. A “word of the year” or “phrase” acts as your compass, a touchstone to return to when decisions need clarity or focus wavers. Further down I will share past words of the year with you, but one has become a motto for my business and life which is “does it bring me joy“, I use this as my guiding force for decisions. No more saying yes to people or events if in my heart the answer is no! You’ve probably noticed this in my marketing messaging?
For 2025, my word is ‘Collaborate.’ It represents my commitment to expanding my message but also creating meaningful connections that amplify success, not just for myself, but my clients as well. This builds on my 2024 word which was “Connections“. Alongside this, my theme for the year is Reconnect and Realign, a call to refocus my efforts on what truly aligns with my vision and fully embracing my Zone of Genius.
Why Choose a Word of the Year?
A word of the year is more than a trend, it’s a mindset. Here’s why it’s powerful:
- It Brings Clarity: A single word helps you focus on what matters most, cutting through the noise of endless to-do lists and distractions.
- It Shapes Your Decisions: When faced with a choice, you can ask, “Does this align with my word of the year?” This helps you stay aligned with your values and goals.
- It Creates Momentum: Your word becomes a catalyst for action, inspiring you to move forward with intention and purpose.
How to choose your word of the year
I can’t speak for anyone else but I reflect on the previous year, what went well and which areas do I feel I need to improve. I then write out my yearly goals and aspirations, from here a common theme will often emerge. Whereas your written goals prompt you on what tasks to complete and when, your word will help you remain intentional, it is your guiding light on what is possible. At times we lose focus on what is important, our word can help us determine if a particular goal serves our greater purpose. If you’ve never chosen a word of the year before, here’s some questions to ask yourself.
- How is it I want to feel as I move through the year
- What matters most to me in terms of values?
- Who do I need to become to achieve the goals I have written down?
- What word will empower me and help me keep focussed?
My word of 2025: Collaborate
For me, collaboration isn’t just about working with others, it’s about fostering authentic connections (my word of 2024) that spark excitement. Whether it’s brainstorming with fellow coaches and consultants, supporting clients or teaming up with other wedding experts, collaboration holds the key to unlocking our true potential.
In 2024 my word of the year was connections which I embraced fully. I want to build on this and turn those connections into collaborations. I’m incredibly excited about some of the ideas I have around this including more stages, podcasts and live events.
- Building Partnerships: Actively seeking opportunities to collaborate with industry peers, learning from their expertise, and sharing my own.
- Fostering Community: Reconnecting with my network and creating spaces for authentic connection. This will be continued through my coffee mornings and more in person events (ahem retreat anyone?)
- Empowering Growth: Supporting my clients to embrace collaboration in their own businesses, showing them how working together can lead to exponential results.
Why even bother with a word?
Often as the year progresses we forget our purpose, our vision as we get caught up in every day life. Having a word that you see each day can guide you throughout the year and often I find subconsciously it is guiding me, bringing me people or resources to help me progress.
Since 2021 I have had a phrase which is “Does it bring me joy?” , before saying YES to anything I decide whether this would bring me joy first! At first it is hard to say no to people or projects but over time you feel energised being more decisive with your time. So if you are struggling to choose a word of the year, what mantra will give you strength? Help you focus?
If you are skeptical give it a try, you might just be surprised but how it guides you. Stuck on what word to chose? Here are 100 word of the year options for you to consider , instantly downloadable. I suggest you print this and circle or highlight the words that call out to you.
My Theme: Reconnect and Realign
Hand in hand with collaboration, my theme for the year is Reconnect and Realign. I have felt out of alignment in recent years so this is pulling me back into my zone of genius into the world of weddings.
- Reconnect with my values and goal of helping clients scale so they have more freedom of time
- Realign my efforts with what feels authentic and impactful, letting go of what no longer serves.
What words have I used in the past?
For me it’s how I want to be and feel that year. Do I need to be more tenacious? More brave? I put the words on my vision board and look at it every day. See below for this years and previous.
2024 – Connection
2023 – Disciplined
2022 – Balance
2021 – Release
2020 – Intuition and Revenue
2019 – Naughty (strange word I know, my coach challenged me to not be so “nice” all the time)
2018 – Nurture, Tenacity
2017 – Inspire
Why I choose connection for 2024
When reflecting on 2023 something became very clear, and that is a lack of IRL (in real life) connection. I was getting too comfortable being online and working virtually, the result was I wasn’t attending networking events, seminars, workshops. I wasn’t meeting people in person. No hugs. No in person community. One of my intentions this year is to rebuild my connections by attending at least 1 event per month.
My thoughts on my 2023 word
Just like in 2022 I didn’t force my word, I was sitting quietly journaling and working on my yearly goals when all of a sudden boom my word appeared. I was writing down that now my hormones are balanced it is time to work on strength and my health, I was listing daily habits to ensure I meet my targets. I was also thinking about my mindset and how it slipped in 2022, and the projects I want to launch in 2023. I knew in order to meet my health AND business goals I need to be more disciplined with my habits and actions. So yet again my word has dual meaning.
My thoughts on my 2022 word
My 2022 word of the year didn’t come to me straight away, hence allowing myself space for the word to appear. After some reflection I realised that “Balance” was the perfect word and for me it has dual meaning. I need more hormonal balance as I navigate my way through peri menopause BUT also more balance between personal and work as I strive to spend more time with my recently widowed mum whilst scaling my own business massively in 2022.
Let’s Collaborate in 2025
As I embrace my word of the year and theme, I invite you to join me in this journey. Whether you’re a client, a coach, or a new connection waiting to happen, let’s explore how we can support and inspire each other.
Here’s to a year of meaningful collaboration, authentic connection, and realignment with what truly matters. What will your word of the year be?
