Embracing Words Over Resolutions

Jan 8

A New Approach to New Year’s Goals

Every January, or end of the year for some, a lot of us feel the pressure to set resolutions—promises to ourselves that we will change habits, achieve goals, or become better versions of ourselves. Yet, more often than not, these resolutions fizzle out even before we reach the second half of the year. And I will not deny that, I am guilty of this every year, so, this year, instead of making lofty promises destined to be forgotten, I though of a different approach: I am choosing a few guiding words to shape my decisions, actions, and reactions throughout the year.

By saying that resolutions can be really rigid and overwhelming and they often set us up for failure (because they demand perfection), I know that some people reading this may say that I am very pessimistic. But isn’t it true that when we start to miss out or give in to things that is part of our resolution, we start to feel that it’s the end of our resolve. On the other hand, guiding words are flexible and forgiving. They offer a compass rather than a set path, allowing us to navigate the ups and downs of life with intention and grace.

For 2025, I have chosen five words that will guide me and I’d like to share them with you:

Gratitude – I want to start each day by acknowledging the blessings I have, big and small. Whether it’s a moment of laughter with my kids, a new opportunity in my business, or simply a warm cup of coffee in the morning, I choose to be thankful. Gratitude shifts my mindset from what’s lacking to what’s abundant, and I believe that it will help me stay positive and motivated.

Consistency – This year, I aim to show up for myself, my family, and my job and business every day. I won’t wait for motivation to strike. Instead, I will commit to small, steady actions that add up over time. Whether it’s staying consistent with my financial advisory business, my blog, or my health, I want to always remind myself that results come from persistence, not perfection.

Persistence – Success doesn’t come easy. Challenges and setbacks are inevitable, but I refuse to let them define me. If something doesn’t work the first time, I will try again. I will remind myself that failure is not the opposite of success; it is part of the journey. This word will push me to keep going, even when things get tough.

Boundaries – As a mom of three, a financial and mortgage advisor and a blogger, it’s easy to stretch myself thin. This year, I will be intentional about setting boundaries—learning to say no when necessary, protecting my time and energy, and making space for rest and self-care. Healthy boundaries will allow me to be more present and effective in all areas of my life.

Growth – I want to embrace lifelong learning and personal development. Growth, for me, means stepping out of my comfort zone, taking on new challenges, and continuously evolving—both personally and professionally. Whether it’s improving my skills, reading more books, or pushing myself to try something new, I will lean into opportunities that foster growth.

These words will be my foundation for 2025. They will shape my decisions, influence my daily actions, and guide my reactions to life’s uncertainties. When I face obstacles, I will turn to them for direction. When I feel unmotivated, they will remind me of my purpose.

To truly integrate these words into my life, I am incorporating intentional habits and reflection points into my daily and weekly routine:

I’ve done this in the past but this time I will make sure I will do it consistently I will keep a gratitude journal where I write down the things I’m grateful for every day.
I will start setting realistic schedules and routines that prioritize my commitments without overwhelming myself.
When things don’t go according to what I expect them to be, I will make sure to remind myself that setbacks are learning opportunities and seeking solutions rather than dwelling on failures.
I will start practicing saying no to things that do not align with my goals and creating a work-life balance that benefits my well-being.
I will dedicate more time to learning—whether through reading, attending workshops, or simply trying new things outside my comfort zone.

I know that choosing guide words instead of making resolutions might seem like a small shift, but I thought it maybe a game-changer, something that I need. This change will allow me to focus on progress rather than perfection, to extend grace to myself when things don’t go as planned, and to stay motivated without feeling pressured. These words will be my daily reminder of what truly matters and keep me anchored in my purpose.

So, I encourage you to give it a try. Think of words that will inspire and guide you. Words that will help you make choices, react to challenges, and stay on track throughout the year. I’d love to hear what words you choose for 2025—share them in the comments and let’s encourage each other to live with intention and purpose!