12 years running.
This Sunday marks the start of December—just 31 days left in 2024. That’s 31 chances to finish strong and set the stage for an incredible 2025.
If you’ve been tracking with me over the past half-decade or so of writing, you know that I’ve chosen a “word for the year” for the past 12 years. It’s a practice that grounds me, gives me focus, and helps shape the way I approach each new chapter of my life.
This past year, my word was kindness.
When I landed on it, I had no idea how deeply it would impact me.
Being kind to myself meant having the courage to leave a relationship that had turned cold and cruel.
Being kind to a handful of folks in my life meant helping them set healthy boundaries and embrace the power of saying NO.
Being kind to multiple friends and clients meant walking alongside them through unspeakable tragedy.
I’ve always loved St Philip Neri’s quote: “If you want to be holy, be kind.”
This year, I lived that truth in ways I never anticipated.
As we approach the new year, I’ve been reflecting on what 2025 might hold. Using a writing exercise, I landed on my word for the coming year—and I’d love to share it with you today.
But first, let’s talk about how to close out this year with purpose.
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The habits, decisions, and energy we bring to these final 31 days will set the tone for how we step into January. Whether this year has been one of joy, challenge, or a mix of both, we all have a choice to finish intentionally.
Here’s how we can make the most of it:
Reflect on the year so far. What worked? What didn’t? What lessons do you want to carry into 2025?
Set your focus for December. What’s one thing—personally and professionally—that deserves your full attention before the year ends?
Identify what you need to let go of. Are there habits, people, or environments that no longer serve you? Be specific about stepping away and embrace those necessary endings.
Prioritize what brings you life. What energizes you? Who inspires you? Lean into the people, habits, and spaces that fill your cup.
Revisit your core values. Are you living in alignment with what matters most? If not, what needs to shift in these final weeks?
Set your intention for 2025. What do you want to create, build, or become in the new year?
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As we close out 2024, consider choosing a word for yourself—a single guiding principle for 2025. It doesn’t need to be perfect or profound, just meaningful to you.
Here’s a simple journaling exercise to help:
Think back on this year. What themes emerged?
Reflect on what you need most in the year ahead. Is it courage, rest, connection, growth?
Write down a few possibilities, and see which one resonates the most by free-writing for at least a full page.
Simplify what you wrote down into a single sentence. Now ask yourself, what word or theme sums up what you really need to be intentional about in 2025?
For me, this practice has become a yearly tradition—a small yet powerful way to bring focus and intention into the new year.
There’s still time to make 2024 count. Let’s finish strong, lean into what matters most, and step boldly into 2025 with clarity and purpose.
My word for 2025 is “explore”. I’d love to know yours. Hit me back when you’ve found it.
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Steve Knox | College Station, TX
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