How I Developed My Intuition in 2024 + My Word for 2025

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A couple of years ago, I changed my approach to New Year’s resolutions. I now set myself a word for the year. It helps to inform my decisions and keep me focused.

My word for 2024 was “intuition”. I wanted to practice using my intuition to guide me to the right decisions, whether that was choices in my personal life or career opportunities.

I have a tendency to overthink, so I wanted to trust my gut rather than deliberate over every decision. If you’re a freelancer like me, I recommend setting yourself a word for the year.

It’s an overarching goal that you can come back to again and again – especially as things change throughout the year. So, exactly how did I develop my intuition in 2024? Let’s take a look.

How I developed my intuition in 2024

In the past year, I developed my intuition by:

1. Learning to say no
2. Exercising the way I want
3. Going on microadventures
4. Networking for myself and my business
5. Investing in self-improvement

Let’s take a closer look…

1. Saying “no”

Listening to your intuition can be as much about saying “no” as saying “yes”. In 2024, I said “no” to social plans and job opportunities, based on my gut feeling.

Although it’s often easier said than done, your gut will typically tell you the right option for you. You might spot a client red flag that leaves you feeling uneasy or you might not feel up to socialising at a certain time of the year.

It takes time – and I’m still getting there. In 2025, I want to get better at listening to what I want and need. I want to make mindful decisions about how I spend my time, whether that’s for my business or in my personal life.

To practice trusting your gut, check out my tips to follow your intuition in the New Year.

2. Health and fitness

In 2024, I doubled down on my health and fitness routine. I’ve enjoyed introducing the gym into my life and I wanted to keep that going in the New Year.

However, part of working out is about listening to what your body needs. I listened to my body when it needed a break – and I want to improve on that in 2025.

There were a few blips, such as a horrible cold during the winter months, but I feel good about the fitness routine I’ve created for myself.

3. Microadventures

A couple of months ago, my mum told me about a new concept: microadventures. These are small, fun and inexpensive excursions that bring joy into your life.

This idea really connected with me. I’ve never been a big holiday person, but I like taking time to try out different activities – whether that’s a day out or a trip to my local café.

In 2024, I went to a candlelight concert at Sheffield Cathedral, I treated myself to lots of café afternoons, and I went on a long weekend to York with my boyfriend.

Developing your intuition is all about understanding what you like to do. In 2025, try thinking about how you can bring joy to your life. You might be surprised how smaller, stress-free “adventures” can bring a smile to your face.

4. Networking and making friends

In 2024, I wanted to try out a few new networking events. I wanted to make connections for my business and meet new people in Sheffield – and I’ve enjoyed it so much.

I pushed past my anxiety to try out new events and networking groups. Some of them weren’t for me, but I know I’ll return to others in the New Year.

It felt great to put myself out there. Running a business is all about trusting your gut, whether you offer translation services or you’re a freelance content writer like me. You need to work out what works for you – and I want to develop that skill in 2025.

For more networking tips and tricks, check out my guide to networking.

5. Self-improvement

In 2024, I’ve put more time and energy into self-improvement. For me, that’s about finding ways to curb negative habits and improve my outlook.

I started reading ‘The Daily Stoic‘ each morning as a daily ritual to set me up for the day – and I love thinking about how the daily lessons apply to my life.

In 2025, I want to build on my personal development by finding new ways to stay present and meet my goals.

My word for 2025 – setting goals for the New Year

In 2025, I’ve chosen “purposeful” and “intuition” as my words for the year. I want to continue to develop my intuition and make purposeful, mindful decisions in my career and personal life.

I often seek a lot of external reassurance for my decisions, however small. In 2025, I want to approach my life with purpose – and I want to make decisions that work for me.

This taps into intuition, better learning how to follow my gut and listen to what I need. So I suppose that’s two words for my year!

In my business, I also want to look into diversifying my income streams, creating a new product for fellow freelancers, and working with some new exciting new clients as we come into a brand new year.

What is your word for 2025? Do you like to set yourself New Year’s resolutions? How do you follow your intuition?

I’d love to hear all your thoughts in the comments below 🙂

Happy reading x