Forget the New Year’s resolution, try a word for the year
For the past few years, instead of choosing an annual New Year’s resolution to commit to (and if I am honest – to procrastinate about), I’ve chosen a specific word to commit to most of my professional efforts.
In 2024, my word of the year was gumption. Paraphrasing, most online dictionaries define gumption as summoning the courage to truly do what you want to do. For example, when pitching specific items within proposals, I did so with gumption, asking for (and often receiving) enhanced levels of remuneration and incentives. To be clear, it wasn’t just a bigger ask without demonstrating value, but it was nonetheless a much bigger ask, and it indeed required gumption to have the courage to make that ask.
Although a focus on gumption served me well in 2024, and I will continue to go forth with gumption in 2025, I have chosen a new word for 2025 — temperance. Most dictionaries define temperance as striving for self-control and moderation.
Why temperance?
I have the opportunity to work with and counsel prominent business leaders and owners on a regular basis, and if there is one universal trait some of them have shared or demonstrated, it’s striving for temperance in their professional interactions, especially during the highs and lows of business. It’s an admirable trait to emulate and why I have chosen temperance as my word of the year for 2025.
Putting your word (for 2025) into motion
In addition to choosing my word of the year, I also found it helpful to preface it with an active verb and phrasing. In 2024, I added Go forth before gumption. “Go forth with gumption” was how I leveraged gumption at the right time and right place. In 2025, I will strive to “take time for temperance.” The active verb and phrasing “take time” provides clarity on how and when I will strive to use my word in the coming year, and beyond.
Do you have your word for 2025? I would love to hear about it. Leave a comment below (if applicable) or drop me a line
