“Good words are worth much and cost little.” - George Herbert

Just as the new year begins, millions of us declare resolutions, hoping this will be the year they finally stick.

Whether it's hitting the gym, eating healthier, or spending less time on screens, the start of a new year feels like a clean slate. But let's face it—resolutions don't work. And there is nothing magical about January 1st. Research from the University of Scranton suggests that 92% of people fail to keep their New Year's resolutions, with many abandoning them within the first few weeks. Why?

Resolutions are just a statement. They are often overly ambitious, vague, or rooted in external expectations rather than internal values. They focus on an endpoint ("lose 20 pounds," "stop procrastinating") without addressing the deeper mindset or habits needed to get there. And once life gets busy, or progress feels slow, motivation vanishes.

I know this cycle all too well. I've had resolutions that fizzled by February. I've declared so many resolutions for the same year it was impossible to put any real intent or focus behind any of them. I overwhelmed myself, and I'll bet you've done the same a time or two.

Resolutions often come with built-in pressure, not motivation, pressure. We beat ourselves up and abandon hope instead of adapting. It's not exactly a recipe for growth and celebration.

An Alternative

So, if resolutions don't work, what does? For the last couple of years, I've chosen a guiding word or two to accompany my well-defined goals. Unlike vague, blue-sky resolutions, my guiding words and goals are grounded in my values and are adaptable to whatever life throws my way.

For 2025, my words are Simplicity and Voice.

Simplicity reminds me to focus on what matters most and resist the urge to overcomplicate things. Simplicity is about clearing the physical, mental, and emotional clutter that gets in my way.

Voice represents the courage to make my voice heard in new ways and the commitment to listen to my inner voice, my Essential Self. It reminds me to trust my instincts, speak authentically, and create space for meaningful conversations.

My words of the year don't represent a goal to achieve by December 31st. They are a compass to guide my decisions and actions. On days when I feel pulled in too many directions, "simplicity" will help me pause and ask, "What's truly essential?" And when self-doubt creeps in, "voice" will remind me to speak up or reflect inward, depending on what I need most.

Why It Works

Unlike resolutions, guiding words allow for nuance and growth. They provide a sense of direction without demanding perfection. They focus on the journey, not the destination.

Guiding words align with how you want to feel or show up in the world rather than what you want to achieve. This shift makes guiding words more sustainable, even when life doesn't go as planned.

They are rooted in values. Guiding words reflect what's meaningful to you, making it easier to stay motivated. They act as touchstones when you need clarity.

With guiding words, there's no failing. If you stray from your word or intention, you can gently return to it, just as you would in a mindfulness practice.

How to Choose

If you're considering this approach, here are ways you can get started choosing your word:

- Reflect on the past year. What worked well for you in 2024? What felt challenging?

- What do you want more (or less) of in 2025? Look for patterns or themes that resonate.

- Identify your core values and let them guide your choice.

- Your word should feel inspiring and personal. If one doesn't immediately come to mind, try brainstorming a list or using a thesaurus to explore related ideas.

- Find ways to anchor your word in who you want to be in the coming year.

- Write your word where you'll see it daily—on a sticky note, in your planner, or as your phone wallpaper.

- Check in with it regularly and ask yourself: How can I live this word today?

Living Your Word

For me, "simplicity" means saying no to unnecessary commitments, decluttering my schedule, and embracing tools and routines that make life easier. It also means letting go of the need for everything to be perfect.

Living "Voice" means speaking up about what matters to me, sharing my ideas more boldly, and carving out quiet moments to listen to my inner voice.

What about you? Maybe your word for 2025 is "Joy," encouraging you to seek moments of happiness in your daily life. Or perhaps it's "Focus," helping you prioritize your energy. Whatever word you choose, remember that it's not about being perfect—it's about being intentional.

By embracing a word instead of resolutions, you can create a year guided by what truly matters to you. If you feel yourself slipping into old habits or overcomplicating things (like I sometimes do,) you can gently remind yourself of your chosen path.

Here's to your year of meaningful growth.

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

This article first appeared on the New Path Perspective blog by Kathy Muzik for New Path Productivity®, LLC.