Happy 3-2-1 Sunday Shifters. And a very happy 2025 too!

Did you know “Brain rot” was chosen as the Oxford Word of the Year in 2024? First used in 1854, brain rot is described as the “the supposed deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state, especially viewed as the result of overconsumption of material (now particularly online content) considered to be trivial or unchallenging”.

The Oxford dictionary choses it’s word by looking back at the year. I want you to look ahead with intention. This is not a new year’s resolution, but rather a guide to steer your year.

So, settle in. Refill your coffee cup if need be.
And let’s get down to choosing your personal word of the year for 2025.

(We’ll return to our usual 3-2-1 format next time.)

Why do I choose a word of the year?

I’ve picked a word of the year for last 3 years in a row, and each year, I am surprised at how I got to my chosen word. Some times I dwell on it for days and then there are times when the word pops into my head with crystal clarity. This is not a science.
Think of it as a chance to free flow, and an opportunity to focus on what’s important to you and within your control.

How do I choose my word for 2025?

I think there are many ways to get to your word of choice. This is afterall a reflective exercise. Nonetheless, here is a simple guide to help you along.

1. Start by looking back on 2024.
Grab a piece of paper, or a journal if you prefer, and free flow your answers to the following prompt questions:

• What made me feel happy?

• What did I find most difficult?

• What habits do I want to change?

• What accomplishments did I achieve?

• What prevented me from living in alignment with what I want most in life?

• How much sleep do I need to thrive?

• What are the first five highlights that come to mind from 2024?

• How much time did I dedicate to hobbies?

• What lesson did 2024 teach me?

• What are the first three words that come to mind when I think about 2024?

2. Think about your intentions for 2025.
Now, there is a difference between intentions and goals. Your intentions are what you want to achieve and are influenced by your values. Your goals on the other hand are steps towards an achievement.
For example, you may value a work:life balance. So your intention might be to enjoy more time for self-care. Your goal could be to go offline over lunchtime and eat away from your desk. With this in mind reflect on your:

• Relationships

• Work

• Physical health

• Wellness and mental health

• Lifestyle and hobbies

• Life milestones

• Skills – what would I like to learn or get better at?

3.Live your word
By now, when scanning over what you’ve jotted down, you may start to sense a word to guide your year. There’s no pressure to settle on one immediately. In the past I’ve created a shortlist of words and later selected the one that resonated the most.

Once you’ve chosen your word for 2025, lean in and live it by:

• Displaying your word so you can be reminded of it every day

• Finding quotes around your word that will inspire and motivate you

• Incorporate your guiding word into questions when making decisions or considering old habits. For example, if your word was ‘brave’, ( like mine was in 2022) you might ask yourself ‘is spending two hours on social media every day helping me be brave?’

• Write a note on your calendar for a couple of months’ from now to check in with your word of the year and if it still resonates with you.

And that’s it.
This doesn’t have to take you a long time, but the intention behind it needs to be genuine. Have you chosen your word of the year for 2025?

I’ll share mine with you if you share yours with me 🙂

One last thing - I’m on a mission to build 3-2-1 Shift in 2025 and could really use your help to reach my goal of 1000 subscribers this year.
Please consider sending or recommending this newsletter to your friends.
As a thank you, get 50% off your first order with Ucook when using my code #SHIFT50

Coming up this week on Something Shifted:
How would you respond to a lifequake when you intentioanlly chose it for your family?
Listen to the new episode out Tuesday 14 January on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube.

Go have a great day!

Until next time,

1 for the soul

“Change is hard at first, messy in the middle, and gorgeous at the end” – Robin Sharma.

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