You didn’t think after seven years of sharing my word of the year, I’d break the tradition, did you?
Streaks are one of the, if not, biggest motivators of mankind and not just anecdotally. Countless research studies show that maintaining a streak can drastically increase the likelihood of habit formation and achievement of goals. If the power of streaks could bring me back to this blog after an almost six-month long hiatus, it can do anything. While the ‘new year’ enthusiasm certainly helps, I remain a fan of streaks. But this isn’t just a post about streaks (or is it?). Thus, for the eighth time running, here’s my word of the year.
Show-up.
Yes, I cheated – it’s technically two words. And yes, it does have something to do with streaks.
2024 was a strange year. While I did reap a lot of benefits and clocked in a few wins from everything I sowed in 2023, I didn’t sow as many seeds in ‘24. On hindsight, I’ll call it a year of recovery which was coincidentally also my word of the year for 2023. I slowed down in order to race ahead. Necessary perhaps, but not a pattern to repeat.
As I began considering what are the marquee seeds I wanted to plant in 2025, I did what anyone in my search would do: I invested in a Masterclass subscription and borrowed Poor Charlie’s Almanac from the library. After perusing both of them for a while, I came to the conclusion that none of what I intend to achieve in 2025 will happen unless I consistently show up – first for myself and then for everybody else.
Munger, in his first graduation address at Harvard School in 1986, refers to reliability as the number one pillar to avoid if seeking misery. His exact words resonate deeply: “If you want to fail at life, be unreliable. Do not faithfully do what you have engaged to do.” Consequently, following his ‘Invert, always Invert’ rule – this wisdom forms the cornerstone of my 2025 strategy – showing up consistently.
This isn’t just Munger’s isolated observation though. Through my Masterclass journey, I’ve noticed a recurring theme across diverse fields. Whether it’s Stephen Curry discussing his famous shooting routines (practicing 300-500 shots daily, even during off-season), or Anna Wintour describing her four-decade tenure at Vogue, the common denominator is their unwavering commitment to showing up.
At the start of the year, I took a moment (on James Clear’s advice) to sit down and re-write my identity. What kind of person did I want to end the year as? Am I a writer? Am I a fitness freak or enthusiast? Am I consistent? Do I have a sweet tooth? And as I created my identity, I realized a fair bit of work would need to go into 2025 and I would have to show up consistently to maintain the streak if I was to get anywhere close.
The story I’ve been meaning to write won’t materialize unless I show up at my desk every morning, even when inspiration feels distant. Those calls with friends? They need me to show up emotionally, not just dial in. The gym sessions I’ve been “too busy” for requires both my physical and mental commitment.
I’d read James Clear’s “Atomic Habits” many years ago and his masterclass was a good reminder that you don’t rise to the level of your goals; you fall to the level of your systems. What better system than the simple, binary act of showing up? There’s no room for mental gymnastics or elaborate excuses – you either show up or you don’t. And showing up is ultimately what forms a habit.
So, here’s my 2025 manifesto: Show up when it’s convenient and when it’s not. The aim is to do my bit. And the rest is up to God, the stars, fate – whatever you believe in. I commit to showing up when motivation flows freely and also when it feels like wading through molasses. The streak must be preserved.
And this post itself is me showing up. It breaks a five-month hiatus not with fanfare but with honest reflection.
I’ll see you in the next post. Sooner rather than later. After all, I’ve got to maintain the streak.
What is your 2025 word of the year going to be?
Historic word of the years
2018: Intent
2019: Play
2020: Patents
2021: Intent
2022: Sift
2023: Recovery
2024: Positivity
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