As we make our way through 2025, I’ve decided to share with you my Annual Axiom I’ve adopted for the year. Keep in mind that I chose this back in August 2024 as I start my year in September to align with the school year. This yearly Annual Axiom is one that’s deeply personal, resonant, and versatile: Redesign, Rebuild, Reclaim.
If it sounds familiar, it’s because it’s one that I’ve used before, before my previous three Annual Axioms (WIT NMW – which stood for “Whatever It Takes No Matter What” – for a couple of years before moving on to “Content is King” in 2023, and then “Reason my path. Refine my pursuits. Respond with purpose.” in 2024).
Now let me explain why I chose this as my Annual Axiom, how it aligns with my vision for the year, and why you might want to consider it for your own journey.
Why Redesign, Rebuild, Reclaim?
At first glance, these three words might seem like a sequence—a step-by-step process for renewal. But the beauty of this axiom is that these actions don’t just happen one after another; they also work in parallel. Each word represents a pillar of growth and transformation that can support you in different ways, depending on where you are in your journey.
1. Redesign
This word speaks to intentionality. It’s about looking at the systems, habits, and structures in your life and asking: Does this still serve me? Redesigning isn’t about throwing everything out and starting over; it’s about recalibrating what already exists to align with where you want to go.
For me, this means revisiting some of the core elements of my work and personal life. It’s about tweaking, refining, and simplifying. Whether it’s the workflows I use daily, the way I structure my time, or even the tools I rely on, 2025 is the year I’m giving myself permission to rethink what’s working and what’s not.
For you, this could mean:
- Reimagining your approach to your goals.
- Adjusting your routines to better reflect your current season of life.
- Embracing creativity to solve problems you’ve been stuck on.
2. Rebuild
Redesign alone isn’t enough. There comes a time when you need to roll up your sleeves and do the work of rebuilding. This is the active, tangible part of the process—whether it’s rebuilding relationships, career pathways, or even your mindset.
For me, rebuilding will involve focusing on the foundational aspects of my work, such as refining my writing blocks, prioritizing quality over quantity in content creation, and expanding on programs. It’s also about rebuilding some personal habits, like committing to regular exercise and better balance between work and family life.
Rebuilding is about fortifying what matters most, even when it feels like starting over. For you, this might look like:
- Taking actionable steps toward a healthier routine.
- Rebuilding trust in yourself or others after setbacks.
- Gradually layering new skills or habits into your life.
3. Reclaim
To reclaim something is to take it back—to assert ownership over what is already yours but might have been neglected or overshadowed. It’s about stepping into your power, reclaiming your focus, and reaffirming your commitment to what matters.
For me, reclaiming is about finding clarity amidst the noise. It’s about protecting my time, energy, and attention so that I can devote them to what truly matters. This might mean saying no more often, setting boundaries that reflect my values, and reconnecting with things I enjoy—like writing, creating, and spending intentional time with loved ones.
For you, reclaiming could mean:
- Taking back time for hobbies you’ve set aside.
- Reclaiming your sense of agency over your schedule.
- Rediscovering the passion or purpose that once fueled you.
Why This Axiom Matters
What makes Redesign, Rebuild, Reclaim such a powerful axiom is that it doesn’t just apply to specific goals—it applies to your relationship with yourself, your work, and your time. It’s fluid enough to fit different contexts, whether you’re navigating personal challenges, professional transitions, or even just seeking a more aligned daily rhythm.
This axiom also reflects the idea that growth isn’t linear. You don’t always start with redesign, then move to rebuilding, and finally arrive at reclaiming. Sometimes, you’re redesigning one part of your life while rebuilding another. Other times, you’re reclaiming your focus while simultaneously redesigning your systems. The key is to let these three actions work together, not as a checklist but as a dynamic framework.
Finding Inspiration in What You Love
I also want to highlight that I didn’t find this axiom by sitting down with a list of buzzwords or brainstorming in a vacuum. It came from something I love: wrestling.
Seth Rollins adopted the slogan “Redesign, Rebuild, Reclaim” during his return to WWE in 2016. After suffering a devastating knee injury in late 2015—tearing his ACL, MCL, and medial meniscus during a live event match—Rollins was forced to vacate the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. This marked a turning point in his career. His journey back was gruelling, requiring surgery and months of rehabilitation.
The slogan encapsulated the story of his recovery and evolution: Redesign reflected the need to rethink his approach, both physically and mentally. Rebuild symbolized the hard work of rehabilitation and preparation to return stronger. Reclaim was the declaration of his intent to recapture the championship and reassert his dominance in the WWE.
Redesign, Rebuild, Reclaim became the foundation of his character’s narrative during that time, resonating with fans and underscoring his resilience, determination, and transformation. It’s a powerful phrase not only in wrestling but also as a metaphor for personal and professional growth, which makes it a meaningful choice for your Annual Axiom. Wrestling is something I’ve long found fascinating—not just as entertainment, but as a world filled with stories of resilience, reinvention, and grit. Seth Rollins’ journey and his choice of this slogan struck a chord with me when I first heard it, and now it feels like the perfect guide for the year ahead.
A Call to Action
Choosing this Annual Axiom reminded me that inspiration can come from anywhere—books, movies, sports, or even conversations. What matters is that it resonates with you and gives you the clarity and drive to move forward.
If you’re considering an Annual Axiom for yourself, I encourage you to look to what excites and energizes you. What stories, quotes, or moments have stayed with you? Often, those are the things that hold deeper meaning than we realize.
