Find Your Focus: How One Word Can Transform Your Year
Welcome to 2025! For many of us, the new year comes with a laundry list of resolutions: lose weight, hit financial goals, or even just keep the house a little less messy. Sound familiar? But what if there were a simpler, and more effective!) way to guide your entire year? Enter the One Word Concept—a different approach to New Year’s resolutions that helps you set a focused intention for the year ahead.
In this week’s video, Erika sits down with her friend Sam Weaver, Vice President of Chevy Chase Acura to discuss how choosing just one word can inspire personal and professional growth, keep you aligned with your goals, and serve as a steady guidepost all year long.
If you’re ready to say goodbye to scattered resolutions and find your focus for the year, check out the video below or read on to learn all about setting your One Word for the year ahead.
What is the One Word Concept?
The idea behind the One Word Concept is simple: rather than creating an impossibly long list of resolutions, you select one word to serve as your focus for the year. Think of it as a mini vision statement or a guiding principle that keeps you aligned with your values and priorities.
The word you choose isn’t based on the outcome itself, it’s based on the daily choices you will make to get to a desired outcome. Your One Word drives how you behave, act, and build habits, and that leads to meaningful outcomes. For example, instead of choosing “success” (which is an outcome), you might choose “discipline” or “execute” because those words focus on the work it takes to achieve success.
How to Choose Your Word
As they say, “Your words matter. Choose them wisely.” This rings true when you choose your One Word for the year. Selecting the right word takes some introspection. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
- What do I need to improve or focus on? Is there a habit, mindset, or area of your life that needs attention?
- Does this word apply to all areas of my life? The best words can touch every part of your life—work, family, health, relationships, and more.
- Is the word an input, not an outcome? Look for words that reflect action, effort, and intention, not just the end result.
Wondering what kind of words work as “inputs” rather than “outcomes?” Here are a few examples:
- Discipline: A focus on building consistent habits and routines across all areas of life.
- Execute: Turning ideas and strategies into tangible results—getting things done.
- Traction: Creating momentum and systems that keep you moving forward personally and professionally.
One of the best things about choosing a single word is its simplicity. Unlike a long list of results you may or may not achieve, one single word is easy to remember, easy to reflect on, and easy to keep front and center all year long.
How to Stick With Your Word
Of course, choosing a word is easier than sticking to it. The challenge lies in living by it every day. Here are a few tips to help you stay focused:
- Keep it visible. Write it in your journal every morning, set it as your phone wallpaper, or wear it on a bracelet. Whatever it takes to keep the word top of mind.
- Reflect regularly. Ask yourself daily or weekly, “Did I live up to my word today? If not, why?” Journaling can be a great way to hold yourself accountable.
- Check in mid-year. Give yourself a midpoint pep talk! Write a postcard to yourself with encouragement and send it to be delivered in July. It’s a fun way to reset and keep yourself motivated.
- Be flexible. If your word no longer serves you, it’s okay to adapt and refocus. The goal is growth, not perfection.
Your Word for 2025
So, what’s your word? Whether it’s “focus,” “discipline,” “growth,” or something completely unique, choosing one word for the year can give you clarity, direction, and—most importantly—a purpose-driven year ahead.
The One Word Concept might sound simple, but it’s powerful. Instead of overwhelming yourself with a lofty list of resolutions, you’re creating a clear, actionable guide for the year. Give it a try—you might be surprised by how much you accomplish!
If you’re ready to take this idea further and apply the same kind of intentionality to your website strategy or digital marketing, Spring Insight can help. Your online presence deserves focus, clarity, and the kind of growth that will carry you through the year ahead.
Book a complimentary consultation today and let’s talk about how we can align your business goals with a winning strategy for 2025.