As I reflect on my words of the year over the past eight years, one stands out as especially meaningful: Courage from 2021.

It was so impactful that I had created a one-page visual board (in the picture above) detailing its significance—and even got the word COURAGE tattooed on my arm!

The central message included in my detailed word of the year board still resonates deeply with me: 

This is the year to step out as “authentic me.”
To learn to be content with occupying my God-given space in the world. No more. No less.

To intentionally embrace the ordinary moments, hold them up, and see their hidden joy through the lens of a grateful attitude.

I’ll fight for reality. Not a reality show.
I’ll fight for silence. Not center stage.
I’ll fight for understanding. Not a winning argument.

I don’t need to steal space from others. I’ve got mine.
I don’t need to run at another’s pace. I’ll walk mine.

This is my courage.

Now choosing a word for the year doesn’t mean you need to make a detailed visualization board—or get a tattoo! 

But it does mean making space to be intentional about the year ahead.

This Word of the Year practice has continued to be life-giving for me, helping me reflect on the past year and set a clear, meaningful focus for the next.

What's your word for 2025?

James

#discoveryour2025word #leadership #intentionality #courage #coaching