What’s Your Word for 2025? Mine Is Care

If you had to choose one word to define your 2025, what would it be? For me, that word is care. And here’s the story behind it.

The Burnout

Last year was intense. By the end of 2024, I was completely drained—mentally, emotionally, and physically. Burnout had caught up with me. I’d poured everything I had into my work and responsibilities: long hours, endless problem-solving, and pushing through sleepless nights, thinking passion alone could carry me.

One day, a colleague said something that stopped me in my tracks:

“You won’t be rewarded because you gave up everything or because you had sleepless nights. You’ll be rewarded because of the results you achieve—and you need to achieve them sustainably.”

That hit hard. I realized I was operating from a place of scarcity. I was running on empty, trying to give more when I had nothing left to give.

The Lesson

When I took time in December to reflect, one thing became clear: I need to care for myself first. It’s not selfish; it’s essential. You can’t pour from an empty cup.

What does this mean in practice? It’s about creating balance. It’s about knowing when to rest, setting boundaries, and filling your own cup—whether that’s through family time, laughter, a good book, or simply slowing down.

Because here’s the truth: when you care for yourself, it shows in everything you do. You approach work with a sense of abundance, not depletion. You treat people better, manage challenges with clarity, and deliver with excellence—not because you’re drained but because you’re inspired.

The Shift

I realized the need to shift away from what I now call “matador leadership”—charging at challenges without thinking of the toll it takes. Instead, I’ve chosen to lead and work from a place of care. Care for myself. Care for others. Care for the process and the results.

This shift means:

? Setting boundaries without guilt.

? Taking breaks to recharge so I can show up fully for my team, my work, and myself.

? Prioritizing relationships, reflection, and results, in that order.

Care doesn’t mean being complacent. It means approaching every task and interaction with intention, empathy, and balance.

The Call to Action

Choosing care as my word for 2025 isn’t just about self-care; it’s about redefining how I lead, work, and live. And as I do this, I’ve learned a valuable lesson: no one will care for you more than you care for yourself.

So, let me ask you:

What’s your word for 2025?

What will guide you, push you, and define how you show up this year?