2025 may have been an excellent year for the valuation of tech companies. But for most businesses the world seemed a war torn place. Customers were thinking twice about spending and it felt as though things had not fully recovered after Covid, and had in fact become more uncertain.
I think that the confidence that underlines a phrase like New Year New You is missing. And we have become wary of claiming things that cannot take place because of outside events. A more helpful approach is to forget the idea of a new self and create a more sustainable identity.
Small business owners have the guts and courage to put their head about the parapet and work for themselves rather than a corporate company. This takes an element of risk and bravery, and the last thing we want is to be told what to do all the time.
A New Year’s Resolution can seem a very orthodox aid to success in the year. We prefer something more unique and authentic. This can be a vision board of the types of images you wish to attract, or it can be a word or phrase that appeals to you. In both cases they appeal to emotions as well as logic.
A word or phrase for the Year
For some years now I have had a word for the coming year. Although sometimes that year may not start on 1st January but when I have let the old year gradually disappear from my mind. And I notice that choosing a word or phrase – rather than a Resolution – is becoming more popular with friends and clients. The word conveys a theme or an emotion that acts as a guiding light. It is not about changing identity but allowing the word or phrase to infuse our identity and actions.
I think this is more effective becaus
- Independent thinkers don’t like to be bossed around – especially by ourselves
- It is a gentler invitation which can be interpreted in many different ways.
You can write your word or phrase in a place where you will remember it. In a paper diary if you have such a thing or in a notwbook or on any or all of your devices.
How to choose your word or phrase
You may be reading this and an idea has already come to you. The chances are it may be a growing awareness of an aspect of your work and life which you want to encourage and nurture. To find your word the best approach is simply to relax!
Give yourself at least 10 minutes where you won’t be disturbed. Some people find this easier if there is music in the background or they are in a place with strangers such as a café. Some people may like to be in a car with the phone switched off, out for a walk, or in the home.
Think about what you would like to be stronger in your life and business.
If you are able to light a candle that can help. Doodling is very good for encouraging your thoughts, and so is doing a repetitive action which does not involve much thought like loading the dishwasher.
Sometimes it can be easier to think of what you don’t want first. Then think about the opposite which is what you would like more of.
Everybody is different and it is important to just enjoy the process as a discovery. If an idea does not appear quickly, relax. It could take a few days, or arrive after a night of sleep, or when you are doing something completely different. The results are only for you!
As someone who deals in words for a living (and writes poetry) I am very aware that ideas form when you are not aware of thinking. When you turn up at the page or the keyboard there may be more treasure there than you realised.
You may choose to write the word, or collect a symbol or images and keep it nearby. You may choose to share with a person you trust, (or put it on social media) but whatever you do it should feel right and appropriate . You may change your mind later.
At this moment I have told one or two special people my word, but I want to act on it a bit more before I release it into the world. Sorry if you wanted to find out what it is! Some of my previous words can be found elsewhere in this b
