Each year, I choose a guiding word—not as a goal, but as an intention.

This year, my word is expansive.

It came to me the moment I opened a blank page in my In Season planner and asked a simple question: How do I want to feel?

I pictured my days… not what I should be doing, but how I wanted them to unfold.

What emerged was a sense of openness.

Expansive doesn’t mean more doing or stretching wider. It means more room and staying rooted while opening outward—selectively, wisely, and most importantly, joyfully.

It looks like this:

• My work feels lighter
• I choose quality over excess
• And prioritize ease over effort

Now that the word has landed, I’m practicing something new: I’m looking for evidence of expansiveness every day. Just one thing.

A moment that feels a little more open, or a choice that creates ease, or even a conversation that widens my perspective.

I jot it down, just a small note of expansiveness, and it reminds me to see more proof of expansiveness in each of my days.

Over time, those small moments begin to tell a story, and I can’t wait to look back and see how it all unfolds.

How to Select Your Own Word Of The Year 

Here’s how I do it…

Choosing a word of the year can spark growth and guide your decisions by keeping you focused on a meaningful intention.

1. Reflection

I always start with my favorite reflection ritual: Gratitude for Growth.

Introspection is a powerful way to acknowledge, celebrate, and honor your development. And by recognizing what lights you up, you can deliberately create space for more of it.

2. Find Your Word or Theme

Next, ask yourself:

+ What is lighting me up?
+ What do I want to let go of?
+ How do I want to show up?

Let the answers show you, and allow a word or theme to emerge naturally.

Don’t overthink it.

3. Create a Visual Reminder

Once you’ve chosen your word, place it somewhere you’ll see it daily—by your workstation, on a bracelet, or as your phone wallpaper.

Personally, I love creating heart art as a visual reflection and keeping it next to my computer.

Use these reminders to keep you grounded throughout the year. 

If you’d like more support with this, the In Season planner walks you through the entire process step by step—helping you reflect and take tiny action throughout the year with intention rather than pressure.

Winter Wisdom: Intentions VS Goals

Lately, I’ve seen many people use the terms “goals” and “intentions” interchangeably on social media, but this isn’t the case. An intention is distinctly different from a goal, but they are complementary. 

The blog explores the difference, why it matters, and how you can use your intentions to achieve a lofty goal in as little as 90 days. 

Continue reading “What’s The Difference Between Intentions And Goals?”

Listen to the Podcast: Flourish Careers

Here’s a three-part series to lay the groundwork for a radiantly happy and healthy year ahead.

+ Part 1: Redefining Career Growth with the Snoop Dogg Approach!
+ Part 2: Rethinking Goal Setting With Grace-Filled Intentions
+ Part 3: How to Quit Your Job + Embrace Joyful Ambition

Resources For You

In Season 3-Month Planner

Your Fresh Start Begins Here

A three-month, lightly guided planner-meets-journal, with seasonal, monthly, weekly, and daily rituals throughout

FIND MORE INFORMATION HERE

This toolkit will help you navigate the path to a career that fulfills your professional ambitions and resonates with your core + lifestyle values.

Whether you want to redefine or enhance your current trajectory, these carefully curated audio lessons, resource guides, and blog posts will guide you toward a fulfilling path.

Want more career wisdom? Check out these podcast episodes/blog posts!
+ Ditch Year-End Reviews and Resolutions: Heart-Based Reflections for Lasting Success
+ Letting Go of Procrastination
+ How To Cultivate Connections And Community For Career Success (Even If You’re An Introvert!)

For more insider stories, quick tips, and #CareerTalk, I invite you to connect with me on Instagram @flourish.careers.