What is Your Word for 2025?
Every first week in January I write a post about my chosen word or motto of the upcoming year. My chosen word for 2025 is - kindness.
Reflecting on my chosen words for the last two years - connected and connecting - I thought about a suitable word for 2025.
Taking the festive season for a throwback I rediscovered the beauty of music I grew up with. One of my favourite albums of all times is “Sowing the Seeds of Love” by Tears for Fears.
And there we have it: love ❤️ which is included as a base in kindness.
Going through my news apps and social media feeds it seems to be a massive absence of that word given the macro economic situation we’re in.
So how can we spread more kindness in daily life and - in my profession - in digital marketing and social media?
Here are my surprising tips of kindness in this #socialsellingmonday episode 320 shared on LinkedIn today - and expanded here on my Substack.
Assume a good intention if someone reaches out on LinkedIn, Substack or other platforms, even if they miss declaring the reason for their outreach. Ask them “How can I help you?” instead of “What do you want from me?”.
Comment on the content or professionals you appreciate in your network (works extremely well on Substack) so that your words add value to their posts and their network - instead of pitching your offers in a comment.
Connect people you believe would find value by knowing each other. Just send a message to both of them and let them connect. On Substack a recommendation with explanation helps a lot with gratitude.
Meet someone from your network for a Zoom call or coffee meeting and devote them the most precious elements you have to them: your time and attention. And then follow up kindly with their interest in mind.
And if something doesn’t go as planned, take a deep breath and reword your intended comment or reaction in a more friendly form.
It’s a journey worth taking!
What is your word for 2025?
PS: Here is the soundtrack of my post (that was in 1989, time flies):
This is a lovely message.
A great reminder of the importance of kindness and positive intent.
My word for 2025 is mindfulness: being aware of my mind so that it becomes my ally.
Gunnar, my word for 2025 is beauty! I like to surround myself with beautiful things and appreciate the harmony in work, art or relationships!