My year of STRONG

In recent times I haven’t set myself new year’s resolutions, but I’ve aligned myself with a word of the year and set goals that are congruent with that word.

In 2024 I decided to go bold and make it the year of STRONG. Not just physically, but emotionally and mentally too. So I can live my best life, and support my family to the best of my abilities.

This year I am proud to say, that unlike new year’s resolutions, I have managed to really embrace my word and keep it front and centre throughout the year. 

Now as my year of STRONG comes to a close, I reflect back with pride that it has been a powerful year (pun not even intended!). 

Physical strength did improve (I was coming off a low base so this is not surprising!), and while I was the one consistently showing up and doing the work, for this I also have to give credit to my Physio and Pilates Instructor for their enthusiasm of my STRONG mission and supporting me through this, because it takes a village and I am firm believer in the importance of surrounding yourself with great people. 

Importantly though by having STRONG as my beacon it gave me clarity, laser-light focus and empowerment in my decision making and conversations which informed my business strategy and priorities. While some of this is still work-in-progress with some exciting developments planned for 2025, the impact of this has had a huge positive effect on my mental and emotional wellbeing.

Let’s be clear though, it’s not all been giving myself virtual high fives to celebrate an upward trajectory of progress. At times 2024 has definitely been chaotic, detour and speed bump filled, and I have certainly wondered in some moments of challenge whether I have been getting stronger at all - but in times of doubt I always had my word, STRONG, to return to; a beacon that didn’t necessarily have the answers but kept me focused and motivated.

What I takeaway from 2024 is that I’m proud of how I’ve embraced my word of 2024 and how it has helped create momentum this year for some really positive changes. I’m already thinking about my word of 2025 and feel I am close to identifying one which can further support me in building on what I’ve achieved in 2024.

I decided to share this as part of my year-end reflection that I normally do for myself, but also incase it might be insightful to some of you who have heard about adopting a “word of the year” and might be curious to hear from someone who has tried it.

I know 2024 has been a bit of a roller coaster year for many, I wish you much good health, happiness, and success in 2025.