Reflecting on my year of GROW
2025 has been quite the journey. When I chose GROW as my word for the year (for those new here, I don’t set New Year’s resolutions, I instead select a guiding word to shape my focus), I initially imagined it would centre on developing specific skills. In reality, it became something far broader and more meaningful than I had anticipated.
I intentionally created many opportunities to GROW this year by building new skills and knowledge through structured learning, informal conversations with my network, and life beyond work (including the knowledge I acquired about home renovations – which is way more than I ever imagined I would!).
I’m grateful for the new skills and knowledge I gained this year, but the most interesting, and unexpected outcome, was how GROW became a compass for something much deeper. It prompted real reflection on purpose, encouraged stronger boundaries, and sharpened my focus on what truly mattered.
Why did this happen? I believe GROW empowered me to make more intentional choices about how I spent my time. I became clearer on prioritising activities that genuinely expanded me, aligned with my goals, and energised me – all in the service of growth. I delegated more, de-prioritised with greater confidence, set firmer boundaries, and, at times, I even let go of tasks on my to-do list. These actions felt empowering and like a weight lifting, creating space for things that enriched me and brought a stronger sense of purpose.
And that, ultimately, was the greatest gift of my year of GROW. While the new skills and knowledge were valuable and are being put to good use, the real impact came from gaining clarity on my strengths and purpose – and the confidence to make decisions and adopt behaviours that will truly set me up for the future.
I’m excited to bring all I’ve learned into 2026 as I know it’s shaping up to be a big and exciting year – and of course I’ll have a new word of focus to guide me. I think I’ve landed on it, but I’m currently sitting with it to see if it truly feels right. Keep an eye out for the announcement of my 2026 word in the coming weeks!