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Reflecting on 2025: How Choosing a Word of the Year Boosts Success and Clarity
Darlene Hawley
Discover Why ‘Trust’ Matters, How to Find Your Own Guiding Word, and Set the Tone for a Purposeful Year Ahead
I hope you’ve all had a wonderful holiday season. Mine was a blend of relaxation and busyness—celebrating Christmas with family, camping in the desert with my kids to welcome the new year, and then wrapping up the weekend for my daughter’s soccer tournament. I’m feeling refreshed, a bit exhausted, and deeply grateful all at once.
As I reflect on 2025, I’ve chosen “Trust” as my word of the year. For me, that means trusting myself, my process, my gut instincts, and fully believing that God and the universe have my back. Every time I’ve leaned into trust, life has a way of showing me I’m on the right path—even if it doesn’t feel like it in the moment.
Why Have a Word of the Year?
A single word can become a guiding principle, something you come back to when you’re facing challenges or big decisions. It’s like a lighthouse in the fog—clear, steady, and always there to help you navigate.
How to Pick Your Word (or Intention) for 2025
Reflect on Your Past Year
- What worked well?
- What felt off or out of alignment?
- Where did you feel most alive, fulfilled, or at ease?
Visualize the Future
- How do you want to feel in 2025?
- What do you want to create, experience, or expand?
Brainstorm Keywords
- Note a few words that capture the feeling, mindset, or habit you want more of (e.g., Growth, Harmony, Courage, Joy).
- Don’t overthink it—go with what resonates most deeply.
Decide and Own It
- Once you pick your word, commit to it.
- Write it in your journal, set a phone reminder, or create a vision board—do something to keep it front and center.
Why It Matters
When you have a single word or intention, it simplifies your focus. Each time you face uncertainty, you can ask: “Does this choice align with my word?” That guiding question can help you navigate decisions with more clarity and confidence.
I’d love to hear what word or intention you’re choosing for 2025. Message me on LI or IG—let’s keep each other motivated and inspired.
Here’s to a year of trusting ourselves, following our intuition, and stepping into all the good things that are waiting for us.
P.S. Stay tuned—I'm cooking up some exciting new ways to help you strengthen your personal brand and create impactful content this year. Keep an eye on your inbox for updates!
I offer 1:1 Executive Leadership & Business Coaching & Team Trainings! If you would like to explore what working together would look like, I invite you to submit an application.
Hey There!
I'm Darlene
As a mother, wife, connector, and dream builder, I’m Darlene Hawley, the founder of DarleneHawley.com and an Executive Leadership & Businesss Coach dedicated to empowering leaders like you.
My passion lies in helping ambitious professionals cultivate their unique leadership style while crafting an authentic and impactful personal brand. Through my coaching, we’ll work together to build a solid foundation that not only inspires your team but also drives results and growth within your organization.
Since 2007, I have been committed to guiding leaders and entrepreneurs in launching and scaling their businesses with confidence and clarity.
Today, I focus on supporting women in reaching their leadership goals and living their dream lives—all while balancing the joys of raising my family and creating meaningful memories each day.
Together, we’ll transform your challenges into opportunities, allowing you to lead with authenticity and inspire those around you.
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