25 Word of the Year Ideas to Transform Your 2025
Choosing a Word of the Year (WOTY) isn't like starting January 1st with a list of resolutions that might fizzle out by February. Instead, it's about setting a daily intention that serves as a guiding light through both good and tough times. A WOTY can help keep you focused, inspired, and grounded throughout the year.
The Power of Intention
According to Google, "intention" means "an idea that you plan to carry out. Your goal, purpose, or aim is your intention." This is exactly what having a WOTY is about—centering your year around a meaningful purpose that helps navigate life’s ups and downs.
For example, during the challenging year of 2020, my WOTY was "JOY." Despite the struggles of the pandemic, I kept repeating "Joy, Joy, Joy," which helped shift my focus from difficulties to the joyful moments around me.
Are you finding it hard to select your perfect WOTY for 2025?
Here are a few reflective questions to help guide your choice:
Who do you want to become in 2025?
What challenges and lessons from the past year can shape your future?
Seek guidance through prayer and reflection.
Make a list of potential words, look up their meanings, and see which one resonates with your intentions.
Ensure your WOTY reflects something you genuinely want to embody, not just what you feel you should.
Choose a word you can commit to, unlike resolutions that often fade.
Look up the word definition and see if the word aligns with your goal or purpose.
25 Word of the Year Suggestions
Each of these words comes with a scripture reference to inspire and anchor your choice:
Growth
"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 3:18
Gratitude
"Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for his steadfast love endures forever." Psalm 106:7
Resilience
"The God of all grace will himself restore you and make you strong." 1 Peter 5:10
Renewal "
Put off your old self and be renewed in the spirit of your minds." Ephesians 4:22-24
Mindfulness
"Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night." Joshua 1:8
Balance
“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” Philippians 4:11
Courage
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go" Joshua 1:9
Simplicity
"The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps". Proverbs 14:15
Connection
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another" John 13:34
Adventure
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
Creativity
“He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers—all of them skilled workers and designers".” Exodus 35:35
Focus
“Focus on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.” Hebrews 12:2:
Abundance
"And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches" Philippians 4:19
Clarity
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
Empowerment
"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint" Isaiah 40:31
Intention
"Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed" Proverbs 16:3
Joy
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13
Acceptance
“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” 1 Peter 3:8
Inspiration
"Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up" Proverbs 12:25
Transformation
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
Patience
"A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly" Proverbs 14:29
Kindness
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
Authenticity
"Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ." Galatians 1:10
Purpose
“The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.” Psalm 138:8
Consistent
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters..." Colossians 3:23
Embrace Your Word of the Year
Choosing your WOTY is just the beginning. Let this word guide your actions, decisions, and reflections throughout the year. Write it down, create reminders, and allow it to transform 2025 into a year of growth, purpose, and progress.