Word of the Year: Your Personal Compass for Next Year

Word of the Year: Your Personal Compass for Next Year

Let’s be real: New Year’s resolutions are like those online sales that sound great until you realize you’re buying things you’ll never actually use. Enter the Word of the Year (WOTY)—your sleek, no-nonsense alternative to resolutions.

Forget the long lists and the guilt when February rolls around. Your WOTY is one simple word to guide your actions, inspire your growth, and become your mantra for the year.

Think of it as your personal assistant (yes, kind of like ChatGPT) but tailor-made to keep you focused and fabulous.

Why You Need a WOTY (and Why It’s the Coolest Thing Since ChatGPT)

Life is busy, friend. Between managing work, family, and figuring out what’s for dinner (again), who has time for a never-ending to-do list?

Your WOTY isn’t just a word—it’s your personal AI. It helps you filter decisions, spark creativity, and stay intentional.

Plus, when someone asks, “What’s your New Year’s resolution?” you get to drop your WOTY like the mic. Instant cool points.

5 Steps to Discover Your Word of the Year

1. Reflect

Grab your favorite drink (coffee, tea, or something stronger—no judgment) and ask yourself these questions:

• What worked last year?

• What didn’t?

• How do I want to feel in the coming year?

Write it all down without overthinking it. Your gut knows what’s up.

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2. Visualize

Close your eyes and imagine your dream day.

How do you feel? Energized, calm, unstoppable? These feelings hold the clues to your word.

POP tip: Do this when you’re relaxed—like first thing in the morning or after you’ve finally wrestled the kids to bed.

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3. Brainstorm

Set a timer for 10 minutes and write down every word that pops into your head. No censoring allowed! Stuck? Here’s a sneak peek at some powerful options:

• Growth: Resilience, Elevation, Flourish

• Leadership: Empowerment, Catalyst, Vision

• Balance: Peace, Simplicity, Wellness

Here are my past WOTY: 2022-PLAYFUL, 2023-LEAD, 2024-IMPACT, and this year 2025 is EXPANSIVE

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4. Narrow It Down

Pick two or three words that make your heart skip a beat (in a good way). If a word feels exciting and a little intimidating, you’re probably on the right track.

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5. Commit

Are you interested or committed?

If you’re committed, your WOTY becomes your new BFF. Write it down everywhere—your planner, your phone, even on a sticky note for your bathroom mirror.

Let’s Make This Official

Now that you’ve chosen your WOTY, it’s time to embrace it like the boss you are. Use it as a filter for decisions:

• “Does this align with my word?”

• “Is this helping me embody [insert word]?”

Your WOTY is like your inner GPS—it recalculates when you go off course and helps you find your way back to what really matters.

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Bonus: Free WOTY Guide

Need a little extra help? I’ve got you covered! Download my free PDF guide, “5 Steps to Choose Your Word of the Year with Holly Hartman,” and dive deeper into this fun and impactful process.

Here is a Link to a free WOTY Announcement Template

You can add your image and WOTY to the image and share on social media.

Your WOTY isn’t just a personal mantra—it’s a tool for leveling up your business, too. At ThePOP.Agency, we specialize in helping leaders like you amplify your impact with Purposeful On-Brand Promotion. Tag us on social media with your WOTY #woty2025 #thepopagency

Let’s turn your WOTY into a year filled with focus, growth, and a little extra sparkle.

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