My Word for 2025 is “Focus”

Posted January 1, 2025 by Prairie Wife -

My word for 2025 is “focus.”

While it may seem like a small, easy word, it’s a word that I predict will be a bit of a struggle for me!

Focus: Pay particular attention to. A center or object of attention. A central purpose or theme.

Synonyms: Goal, priority, purpose.

In my joyfully chaotic world, it’s hard for me to have any length of time to tackle one project from start to finish. If I’m being honest, it is not a problem for me. I tend to work better when I can start and stop…a little bit of this and that, and then when I want to move on to something else, I do.

Working from home allows me to do this with no issues. The Cowkids head to school, and then I putter and clean up a bit, followed by tackling a few things like answering emails and scheduling social media posts. Then, I do a few more chores before I sit down and tackle more intense projects.

I learned in college that I work better when I have the TV on in the background, as long as it isn’t a show or movie that captivates me…so add that into the background of my daily life (or you can bet I’m listening to a podcast or book when I’m doing chores).

Like most of you, my work is often interrupted by texts, new emails, phone calls, occasional scrolling through social media, and a few scheduled Zoom conferences…or the need to shower and get dressed for meetings in town.

Add to all this sneaking in a workout every few days…and what I do may be as quick as a 20-minute yoga session or Peloton ride or as long as a 6-mile hike, 9-mile run, or two hours up on the mountain cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.

The non-stop buzz of my Apple watch on my wrist keeps me in touch with my schedule, keeps track of my health, and allows me to be connected…but it is also incredibly distracting.

And it’s my Apple watch that led to my word for 2025 “Focus.”

When I had my revision surgery in November, I took off my Apple watch for the first three weeks. I didn’t want texts and phone calls to wake me up. I knew my movement needed to be limited, and I didn’t want to feel bad each time my watch buzzed me and told me to get moving!

At the end of week two, I realized I had been way more “productive” than usual. Of course, some of that had to do with my inability to do chores or work out. But, more than anything, I realized how much my watch had been taking my focus away from the tasks at hand. Even though I tend to keep my phone tucked away when chatting with friends, a buzz on my watch would still cause me to quickly glance down and become distracted as I made sure it wasn’t anything important.

Sitting here and typing this blog post, I’ve been interrupted 3 times by Cowkids, something that comes with the territory when it’s Christmas Break and you work from home.

BUT each time we finished our conversation, I found myself reaching to check my phone before I went back to typing.

As I walked with dear friends this week I realized why I enjoy connecting with my friends while moving…I am much better at focusing on them and truly listening to what they say when moving rather than when we are sitting still and surrounded by distractions.

Now, I understand that there are a slew of adult ADHD diagnoses out there…and many of you may be thinking that’s the real issue after reading the chaos that is part of a typical day for me. But, even if it is my issue, I have no desire to search for an official diagnosis or to medicate myself.

For 42 years, I have successfully navigated my need to bounce around. Honestly, I’d even go so far as to say that my ability to do multiple things at once and juggle several deadlines and projects has fueled my success and ability to grow my brand.

So why did I pick the word “Focus” if I’m doing fine?

For me, picking an annual word isn’t about an extreme life overhaul. It’s about seeing a need for improvement in my life and finding a way to make habit changes that will benefit the big picture of what I want to accomplish over the next year.

In the last few months, it has become evident to me that I have lost some of my ability to Focus.  And nothing in my life has changed except my lack of self-control.

I took time restrictions off my phone and indulged in hours of scrolling and watching TV as I recovered from surgery…and then, even after recovery, I kept up some of that same behavior.

I’ve always struggled with interrupting others when they talk (always with the best intentions). After some reflection, I can see it’s because I focus on finding what I think will be an appropriate response to the conversation…rather than simply listening.

I’ve also spent too much time focusing on some of the wrong things…noticing what I haven’t accomplished, can’t do, or obsessing about things I can’t control.

This has led to feelings of self-doubt, a lack of motivation, and a negative attitude that sneaks in more often than I’d like.

It has me feeling and overall blech, and I’m sick of it.

I think hope know that FOCUS will help me get back to being someone who feels in control, a woman who is proud of what she’s accomplished and excited about the future that she’s creating.

FOCUS will allow me to be a better friend, wife, and mother.

I like to end these posts by sharing some quotes that include my word of the year, just in case you need a little inspiration, too!

“When you focus on being a blessing, God makes sure that you are always blessed in abundance.” Joel Osteen

I don’t focus on what I’m up against. I focus on my goals and I try to ignore the rest.” Venus Williams

“Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it.” Greg Anderson

“Focus on what lights a fire inside of you and use that passion to fill a white space. Don’t be afraid of the challenges, the missteps, and the setbacks along the way. What matters is that you keep going.” Kendra Scott

“What we can control is our performance and our execution, and that’s what we’re going to focus on.” Bill Belichick

Pictures: Amanda Jo Photography
Location: Alma Home

Categories: Life As It Happens

Tags: , 2025, be better, do better, focus, new word, New Year, New years resolutions, Working mom