Commitment: My Word of the Year
As the new year begins, I’ve chosen a word to guide my decisions, actions, and mindset: commitment. While words like discipline and consistency tugged at my heart, I realized that neither can take root without first making a deep, intentional commitment—to myself, my goals, and my vision for the life I want to create. This choice reflects a yearning to show up fully, not just for the big things, but also for the everyday small steps that lead me towards my goals.
Why Commitment?
It’s easy to let life pass by in cycles of wishful thinking. We dream of becoming more organized, more financially secure, more creative, or healthier. Yet without commitment, those dreams often remain just that: dreams. Commitment is the bridge between intention and action. It’s the choice to anchor ourselves to our goals, even when motivation is low or challenges arise.
I thought about words like discipline and consistency, both of which I need in my life. But I realized that discipline requires a commitment to show up even when things get hard, and consistency cannot exist without committing to the process, even when progress feels slow. Commitment is the foundation. It’s the promise to keep going, even when the path feels unclear. It’s the meaning, the purpose, behind the motivation.
This year, I want to go beyond surface-level resolutions. I want to truly commit—to God, to my purpose, and to myself.
Commitment to Myself
Choosing commitment means learning to honor my needs and values. For so long, I’ve prioritized others—whether as a teacher, mom, or creative entrepreneur. But as I reflected on my goals, I realized that the commitments I make to others mean nothing if I don’t first commit to myself.
This doesn’t mean becoming self-centered. Instead, it’s about showing up for myself so I can serve others from a place of abundance rather than burnout. I want to commit to:
- Caring for my well-being: Prioritizing physical health through movement, healthy eating, and rest.
- Honoring my creative work: Dedicating time and energy to my art, blog, youtube, and business ideas without guilt.
- Setting boundaries: Saying no to people and situations that drain my energy.
The hardest part of commitment is keeping promises to ourselves. It’s easy to let self-doubt creep in or push our dreams aside for “later.” This year, I’m praying for the strength to stay committed to my vision, even when it feels uncomfortable or inconvenient.
Commitment to My Goals
Setting goals is one thing; committing to them is another. I’ve spent years starting projects that I never finished or setting goals that fizzled out because I lacked follow-through. This year, I’m choosing to approach my goals with a fresh mindset: one of prayerful surrender and intentional action.
Practical Steps Toward Commitment
- Breaking Goals into Manageable Steps: Instead of overwhelming myself with massive goals, I’m committing to small, consistent actions. Whether it’s writing for 15 minutes, drawing for 5 minutes a day, or setting aside a weekly goal planning review, I want my goals to feel achievable.
- Tracking Progress: Keeping a journal or tracker helps me stay accountable. It’s a way to celebrate small wins and recognize how far I’ve come.
- Embracing Imperfection: Commitment doesn’t mean perfection. It means showing up, even when things don’t go as planned.
My Goals for 2025
- Financial Freedom: I’m committing to paying off debt and building savings. This means saying no to unnecessary spending and finding creative ways to save and earn.
- Creative Growth: As an artist and educator, I want to lean into my gifts. This includes illustrating, growing my blog and Youtube, and helping others through my work.
- Simplified Living: I’m committed to embracing cozy minimalism—creating spaces that reflect peace, simplicity, and functionality.
Commitment to God
At the heart of this journey is my relationship with God. True commitment requires surrendering my plans and trusting His guidance. I’ve realized that my strength isn’t enough—I need His help to stay disciplined, consistent, and focused.
Praying for Commitment
Prayer is a cornerstone of my commitment. Each morning, I ask God to help me stay rooted in my purpose and grounded in His love. Here are the prayers guiding me this year:
- For Strength: Lord, help me stay committed when I feel weak, tired, or discouraged. Remind me that I can do all things through You.
- For Discernment: Father, show me the steps to take and the doors to walk through. Help me trust Your timing.
- For Discipline: God, give me the discipline to make wise choices, even when they’re hard. Teach me to delay gratification and stay focused.
- For Grace: Lord, remind me that commitment isn’t about perfection. Help me extend grace to myself when I stumble and trust in Your ability to redirect me.
Challenges of Commitment
Commitment is not easy. There will be days when distractions, doubts, or setbacks threaten to derail me. But I’m learning to see these challenges as opportunities to grow. Here are some ways I plan to stay grounded:
- Remembering My “Why”: When the path feels hard, I’ll remind myself why I started. Whether it’s creating a better life for my son or living out my calling, staying connected to my purpose will help me stay the course.
- Leaning on Community: I’m not meant to do this alone. Sharing my goals with trusted friends or mentors can help me stay accountable.
- Celebrating Progress: Instead of focusing on how far I have to go, I’ll celebrate how far I’ve come. Every step forward is a victory.
The Ripple Effect of Commitment
When I commit to myself, my goals, and God, I’m better equipped to inspire others. As a teacher, artist, and mom, I want to model what it means to live with intention. My commitment isn’t just for me—it’s for the people I serve, teach, and love.
A Year of Transformation
Choosing commitment as my word of the year isn’t about chasing perfection or rigid discipline. It’s about choosing to show up for myself and my goals, even when the journey feels hard or slow. It’s about trusting that God is working through my efforts, even when I don’t see the full picture.
This year, I’m committing to:
- Honoring my dreams and goals.
- Trusting God’s timing and guidance.
- Showing up with faith, courage, and perseverance.
As I embark on this journey, I’m excited to see how commitment will shape my year. It’s not just a word—it’s a mindset, a promise, and a prayer.
What’s your word of the year? How will it guide you in 2025?