From Resolutions to Revelations: Why 2025 Is the Year to Create

Cheers to the start of 2025!

As the first days of January unfold, many of us find ourselves caught between reflection and anticipation—a bittersweet mix of looking back at the year that’s passed and dreaming about the one ahead. For some, 2024 might have been a treasure trove of joy and triumphs, while for others, it was a year of challenges that tested every ounce of resilience. Or maybe it was a little of both, as most years tend to be. But here’s the thing: no matter how messy or magnificent your year was, you made it. You endured, adapted, and made choices—some brilliant, some ordinary, and maybe a few that left you wondering, “What was I thinking?”

The beginning of a new year has a certain magic to it, doesn’t it? It’s a time when hope feels renewed, when possibilities stretch out before us like an open road. For many, it’s a season of resolutions—those bold promises we make to ourselves to eat better, work harder, start that side hustle, or finally tackle that thing we’ve been putting off (one of these days I’ll put all my clothes away right after doing laundry (sorry, Mom!)).

For me, though, New Year’s isn’t just about resolutions. It’s about intention. I do set goals like everyone else, but my guiding ritual is choosing a word for the year. Not just any word, but one that seems to find me as the previous year winds down, nudging me softly until I can’t ignore it any further. This word becomes my compass, shaping how I approach my days, how I interact with others, and how I navigate the inevitable highs and lows. It’s not a rulebook or a checklist—it’s more of a mindset, a lens through which I see the world and my place in it.

Looking Back: 2024's Word

Last year, my word was Focus. At first glance, it seemed deceptively simple. But the more I leaned into it, the more I realized its power. Focus wasn’t just about paying attention; it was about intentionality. It encouraged me to pause and ask: Am I giving this moment, this task, this decision my full attention? Am I aligning my actions with what truly matters?

Focus helped me cut through the noise of life. It reminded me to prioritize my family, my career, and my own mental and emotional well-being. And when distractions crept in (as they always do), I had a guiding question to bring me back: Does this matter?

Looking Ahead: 2025's Word

For 2025, my word is Create.

"Create" is more than just a call to action—it’s both an invitation and a challenge. It’s about crafting something tangible, yes, but also about shaping intangible things: opportunities, relationships, and moments of meaning. It’s about creating space for growth in life endeavors and business planning, creating connections that inspire, and, I’ll be honest, creating fewer excuses when life gets hard.

Creation is as much about mindset as it is about output. It’s asking myself: What am I bringing to the table? What am I contributing to the world? What kind of legacy am I shaping—not just for myself but for the people around me and the planet we share?

This word resonates deeply with my personal goals and my broader mission of making an impact. Whether it’s through meaningful content, thoughtful actions, or sparking new ideas in others, "Create" feels like the heartbeat of everything I hope to achieve this year.

Creating with Purpose

Specific to What’s Your Impact, my goal is to create something bigger than myself, for my audience—a space where sustainability is more than a trend; it’s a way of thinking and living. I want to make it easier for people to swap in sustainable products, rethink old habits, and explore the interconnected world of renewable energy, regenerative economics, waste reduction, and the circular economy.

But more than that, I want to create an environment where learning and growth feel accessible and empowering. A space where people feel encouraged to ask questions, make changes, and see the impact of their choices. I believe sustainability should be actionable, not overwhelming; inspiring, not intimidating.

The Power of Small Creations

Creating doesn’t always mean grand gestures. Sometimes it’s about the small, intentional actions that add up over time and that’s the message I hope I’ve conveyed over this past year (What’s Your Impact is one years old today!). It’s writing a blog post that sparks reflection. It’s sharing a conversation that inspires someone to think differently. It’s planting a seed—literally or figuratively—and nurturing it until it grows.

And yes, creation can also be messy. Not everything we create will be a masterpiece. But even in failure, every attempt is a step forward, a lesson learned, a story worth telling.

What Will You Create?

As you step into 2025, I invite you to think about what you want to create. Maybe it’s healthier habits, stronger relationships, or a new business venture. Maybe it’s a sense of peace in your day-to-day life or a spark of joy that lights up the lives of those around you.

Whatever it is, let it be guided by intention. I encourage you to choose a word or a theme that speaks to you and can serve as your quiet compass, gently steering you toward the life you want to build — starting now. A bonus challenge: how can you integrate your word into sustainability and making small improvements and habits in your daily life that are not only good for you, but also good for the planet?

So here’s to 2025: a year of creating with courage, purpose, and maybe just a dash of humor. Let’s make it extraordinary—one thoughtful, intentional creation at a time.