Can Just One Word Elevate Your Business (and Life)?

Last month we discussed the power of New Year's Resolutions, and while they may not be for everyone, there is power in resolving to be a better person overall. Resolutions can seem like a lot of work. Just another thing to add to your ever-growing to-do list.

That's why most years I opt for a simplified version of a resolution.

I believe in the power of choosing a word for the year. Just one word.

You know... a word that guides your desires, vision, and choices for that year. A word that anchors you, yet guides you. It catapults you into action, improves your decision-making, and reinforces your boundaries.

Some people may choose an affirmation, or a sentence, or even a paragraph to help align their actions for the year. But for me, I've found there is power in just a word.

We know words are powerful. Science shows it. The Bible shows it. So whoever came up with the childhood rebuttal "sticks and stones" clearly was trying to cope in the moment.

Because the truth is, words can move mountains.

If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, nothing will be impossible for you.

Faith is what causes someone to believe. It causes someone to dream, to have a goal, to take action. Faith imparts discernment and wisdom, allowing that inner voice to roar a resounding "yes" or whisper a gentle "not yet".

So yes, words can move mountains.

For many, a word can be just enough to get them out of bed in the morning. And for others it can ground them in moments of impulsivity. For entrepreneurs, a word can be a beacon in a sea of uncertainty.

Imagine...

A female CEO in her late 30's. She runs a business-coaching empire helping other CEOs scale their business to the two hundred thousand revenue mark. In 2020 she had a really big vision: to hit the 1 mil revenue mark herself, to get featured on 'Fortune's 40 Under 40', host a podcast interview with Essence Magazine's CEO -- Caroline Wanga, solo-vacay in Tanzania, refine her business's operating systems, and give every one of her team members a raise! And she actually met almost every goal on her vision board. Almost.

At the end of 2020 while reflecting on the year, she had a sense of appreciation and approval for her accomplishments, but she also remembered how much hustle and grind went into every single outcome. As she sat, envisioning the life she wanted for 2021, she knew she desired more ease. In that moment she decided she would focus on that. "Ease".

Every offer that came her way, if it didn't bring more ease into her life, she said no to it. Every opportunity disguised as a blessing was averted. She realized she was able to bob and weave through every obstacle. On the flip side, projects that felt purposeful, she said yes to. She was checking goals off her list left and right. An abundance of aligned proposals came her way that weren't even on her vision board. And she said yes to them all! As 2021 came to a close, she realized she accomplished every goal she had for that year (and then some).

She knew she was on to something. The ease she was seeking became her brand. The brand of her business and her life.

In 2022 she chose another word -- masterful. And sure enough, every decision she made began to reflect the essence of that word -- skill, confidence, nobility. At the end of 2022, she was completely convinced she could not operate in business (or in life) without a word. And in 2023 when she chose a new word --- fellowship --- she discovered many opportunities for recognition, connection, and growth!

...

Although imagined, this CEO is no different than you and I. Every business owner aspires for their own version of greatness. And although there will be obstacles along the way, the only true barrier is our mindset.

This is why choosing an anchoring word for the year can be the perfect alternative for people who find resolutions restrictive, or overbearing, or even a complete waste of time. If you prefer a more fluid process to grounding your goals, opt for choosing a word for 2024. You may find every time you have a decision to make related to your business (and life) it will be so much easier to know exactly what to do.

Ready to Elevate your Education Business this year with LESS overwhelm and MORE clarity?

Schedule Your FREE ?Strategy Call? Today!

Jessica Daniel is a digitally-nomadic, world-schooling mama from the Midwest, currently exploring the Middle East. Her company, Teacher's Helper??, provides remote project management and business operations to Teacherpreneurs and Edupreneurs, helping them launch, grow, and scale their businesses and increase their revenue. Jessica is an Early Childhood Educator by trade and holds a certification in Project Management, allowing her to be the strategic partner Edupreneurs trust.