Environment

The Word of the Year Issue

Welcome to the Word of the Year of the Issue.

Resolutions have always felt like promises made in haste—big declarations about change that rarely stand the test of time. Instead, I’ve found that choosing a Word of the Year is more impactful. It’s not about rigid goals; it’s about setting a guiding intention—one that frames how you show up, what you prioritize, and where you focus your energy. It is your lens for the year.

For me, this tradition started in 2008, when I left the security of corporate America and stepped into the unknown world of startups in Silicon Valley. I needed a word to ground me, to remind me to stay open in the face of uncertainty. That word in 2008 was Serendipity.

I remember considering whether to go to an event on the other side of town. My head told me NO, but my word of the year told me to go because serendipity is why you do this. I went, and it turned out to be an opportunity to meet the VC who led to my role at Anchor Intelligence.

Now, as I look to 2025, I choose the word Environment.

Why? Because I’ve come to understand that “environment” shapes everything—our mental health, creativity, sense of well-being, and how we navigate the world each day. It’s more than just physical surroundings; it’s the people, habits, and influences we allow into our lives.

My recent knee injury, surgery, and recovery taught me the significance of environment. I was able to reflect on “place” and “environments” that were truly important to me. Places that changed my mood upon entering. Environments that triggered a sense of awe and empowerment.

So here’s my question for you: How is your environment shaping you?

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NOW: Realization and Reflection for Today

Over the years, I’ve learned that we don’t thrive despite our environments; we thrive because of them. In choosing Environment as my word for 2025, I’m committing to being intentional about the spaces—both physical and mental—that I occupy:

• The Physical: From my workspace to the places I choose to recharge, my physical surroundings influence my focus and creativity. Clutter disrupts clarity. Beauty inspires flow.

• The People: Who we surround ourselves with matters. Positive, curious, and supportive people lift us. Negative energy drains us.

• The Inputs: Environment includes what we consume—news, conversations, media, and ideas. Are these inputs expanding your perspective, or are they narrowing it?

Take a moment to reflect:

• Is your environment supporting your best self, or is it holding you back?

• What small changes could you make to improve the spaces you move through every day?

• What word could you choose to be your lens for 2025?

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NEW: Learning and Experimentation for Tomorrow

When we begin to see Environment as something we can actively design, we regain agency over our outlook and energy. It doesn’t require grand changes; small shifts can have profound impacts.

The local coffee shop. The beach chair on the ocean. The ride beside the vineyards.

Here are three experiments I’m trying in 2025 that you might consider for your word:

1. Audit Your Physical Space
   Look at your workspace, home, or favorite “thinking place.” What could you remove, add, or rearrange to make it more inspiring? A simple declutter or the addition of plants, art, or natural light can transform how you feel.

2. Curate Your Circle
   Pay attention to who energizes you and who depletes you. Choose to spend more time with people who encourage growth and positivity, and gently step back from those who don’t.

3. Filter Your Inputs
   Be mindful of what you’re reading, watching, and listening to. Seek out sources of inspiration, learning, and hope. Curiosity thrives when we feed it the right material.

Ask yourself:

• What’s one change you can make to your environment this week to improve your focus, energy, or well-being?

• How can you protect your creative space from unnecessary distractions?

• What word can you choose to have these kinds of impacts for you in 2025?

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NEXT: Vision for Future Possibilities

Choosing Environment as a word isn’t just about reshaping the spaces I inhabit; it’s about creating conditions for something larger. It is about envisioning the environments I want to play in, work in, and spend time in.

When we take responsibility for our environment, we start to see its ripple effects: clearer thinking, greater creativity, and a stronger sense of calm. It’s about designing a life that supports who we are and who we’re becoming.

Imagine a future where your environment—your spaces, relationships, and influences—works for you, not against you. You’re no longer reacting to the noise of the world; you’re creating an environment where your best ideas and your most authentic self can emerge.

Ask yourself:

• What kind of environment will you need to build the life you envision for 2025?

• How can you create intentional spaces that foster your growth and creativity?

• What word can you choose to have these kinds of impacts for you in 2025?

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Payoff: Designing Your Word, Designing Your Life for the Year Ahead

When I chose Serendipity in 2008, it was a reminder to stay open to what I couldn’t yet see. Today, with Environment as my word for 2025, I’m focusing on what I can design: the spaces I inhabit, the people I connect with, and the influences I welcome in.

In the Now, I reflect on where my environment is helping—or hindering—me.
In the New, I experiment with small, intentional changes.
In the Next, I envision a life where my environment is a partner, not a barrier, in achieving what matters most.

What’s your word for 2025? If you haven’t chosen one yet, start by asking yourself:

What do I need to focus on most in the year ahead?

Think about what may seem impossible and how you can choose a word to help you realize I’mpossible.

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." - Eleanor Roosevelt

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