As we approach a new year, many of us feel the pull to set resolutions or goals. But what if, instead of starting with what you want to do, you begin with who you want to be? This subtle shift can transform how you approach your year—and your life.
The traditional “Do, Be” method often looks like this: I’ll do these things so I can be successful, healthy, or happy. But what if you flipped that script? Instead, imagine starting with who you want to be and letting that guide your actions, thoughts, and decisions.
This is the essence of the Be, Do method. And it begins with choosing a single word to define your year—a word that embodies who you are becoming.
Why Choose a Word of the Year?
A word of the year acts as your guiding light. It’s a compass for your decisions, a reminder of your aspirations, and a source of inspiration when challenges arise. It helps you align your actions with your intentions, ensuring you live authentically and purposefully.
Step 1: Who Do You Want to Be?
Start by reflecting on your identity and aspirations. Who do you want to be in the coming year? Some possibilities might include:
- Healthy: You prioritize your well-being, physically, mentally, and emotionally.
- Wealthy: You cultivate abundance in your thoughts, habits, and actions.
- Determined: You remain resilient and focused, no matter the challenges.
- Joyful: You seek happiness in the small and big moments.
- Free: You let go of limitations and live life on your terms.
Write down the words that resonate with you. Don’t overthink it—go with what feels true to your desires.
Step 2: Define What It Means to You
Once you’ve chosen your word, take time to define what it means in your life. Ask yourself:
- What does being [your word] look like to me?
- How will it influence the way I think, act, and behave?
- What habits or beliefs align with this identity?
For example:
If your word is CEO, being a CEO might mean taking control of your life, making strategic decisions, and treating your goals like a thriving business. If your word is spiritual, it could mean prioritizing inner peace, mindfulness, and connection to your higher self.
Step 3: Implementing Your Word in All Areas of Life
Now it’s time to integrate your word into every aspect of your life. Consider these areas:
- Mindset: What thoughts and beliefs support your word?
- Actions: What daily habits and routines embody this identity?
- Relationships: How will you show up for others while staying true to your word?
- Energy and Time: How will you prioritize tasks and commitments to align with your word?
- Challenges: How will you respond to difficulties as the person you’ve chosen to be?
Example:
If your word is creative, you might:
- Dedicate time each day to creating, whether it’s art, writing, or problem-solving.
- Seek out inspiring environments and people.
- View challenges as opportunities to innovate.
Step 4: How to Choose Your Word
Choosing the right word requires self-reflection. Here are some prompts to help:
- What do I deeply desire but feel unable to achieve?
Your word might address the qualities you need to develop to overcome these barriers. - What’s holding me back from making my dreams a reality?
Your word could represent the mindset or identity shift you need to break through. - Who do I admire, and why?
Your word might reflect traits you see in others that inspire you. - What’s missing in my life that I want more of?
Your word could fill that gap, serving as a foundation for abundance, joy, or growth.
Step 5: Living Your Word of the Year
Once you’ve chosen your word and defined it, commit to living it daily. Here’s how:
- Visualize it: Create a vision board or journal about how your life will look when you embody your word.
- Affirm it: Write affirmations to reinforce your identity, such as “I am wealthy” or “I am free.”
- Check in regularly: Reflect weekly or monthly on how you’re aligning with your word.
- Celebrate progress: Acknowledge and celebrate moments where you’ve truly embodied your word.
A Final Thought: Become Her Now
Your word of the year isn’t just about who you’ll become—it’s about being that person now. Each decision, action, and thought can be aligned with your chosen identity.
In 2025, let’s move beyond resolutions and embrace a transformative approach to growth. Choose who you want to be and let everything else follow. Because when you start from a place of being, the doing becomes effortless—and the having inevitable.
So, who will you choose to be this year?
With all my heart,
Salima
A Journaling Membership for Women Ready to Reflect and Thrive
