During this time of the year, I find myself reflecting on the accomplishments made in the current year and dreaming of what the new year will bring.
For many years now, I have had a practice of homing in on one word that will provide me focus for the new year. The chosen word will help me say “no” or “not yet” to good opportunities that are not in line with my vision for the year while leaving room for enthusiastic “yeses” for amazing experiences I could only dream of.
For 2024 my one word was “connection.” While I had originally thought my one word would mean strengthening personal relationships, it manifested itself as connecting others in my network. I was able to introduce people who might have crossed paths but never truly met otherwise. They formed new relationships in business and life, which will create a ripple effect of new connections. While this outcome was not what I had originally thought, isn’t it amazing that I played a role in developing these connections!
That’s the funny thing about setting a goal—sometimes the result is not what you originally envisioned. And that’s all right.
The point of selecting a single word is to have a goal, a focus point, that you can base your decisions on. But be open to that goal evolving as time passes. You will be learning and growing with each new opportunity and experience you say “yes” to. Allow your goal to evolve with you.
Applying this concept of a one-word goal to your business can be really powerful. You may think that it is not that hard to choose one word, but it can be quite difficult. Thinking about all the goals you have for the business and distilling them to one word might seem impossible, or even scary, at first simply because we have been taught to have three to five goals.
However, when as president of Onex (a midsized manufacturer) I applied a one-word goal to the company for the first time, I knew that the most important thing we could do as an organization was “growth.” What I found was we got really good at growing the business profitably. So, the next year, we continued to increase revenue while reducing debt, which was the goal. See how focusing allows you to learn how to do one thing well before moving on to the next? There is less chaos in the organization when everyone can align to the one most important goal.
Today I guide leaders. After deep reflection, one of the CEOs I work with has determined her organization will “level-up” in the new year. I love how she was able to wrap up their growth plans into one word. And they truly are leveling up in all aspects of the business—opening new locations, developing a new product offering, and hiring personnel in line with their corporate values, not just to fill a seat.
While I have not chosen my word for 2025, the ones rattling around in my head are renovation, revitalization, restoration. I am feeling the need to creatively restore something. Reinvent a space. Reimagine a way “we have always done it.” I have faith that my one word will come to me as I ponder it over the upcoming weeks leading up to the year’s end.
Last year, one of my readers reached out in a panic. “I haven’t found my word, and it is almost the end of the year!” That’s all right. Be patient. You will likely find your word when you least expect it. In 2024 my word came to me as I read the editor’s letter of my favorite magazine. Sometimes it pops up seemingly out of nowhere. Just keep calm with an open mind and heart.
Please share your one word with me as well as your definition. It is always a blessing for me to hear how just one word impacts your life and business. If you are feeling stuck, don’t hesitate to reach out—support is a conversation away.
Believe in your strength, trust the journey and know that every step forward brings you closer to your dreams. You’ve got what it takes!
