The Power of 'Word of the Year'

Sun, Dec 31, 2023 By: Jennifer Lea

I started adopting a "Word of the Year" at the end of 2021. As someone with self-diagnosed with ADHD, focusing on an

I spent a lot of time last week thinking about the not-so-minor problem of the current lack of housing inventory. Moving into a new home is a significant life change—and for most people, change is hard. Dr. John Kotter famously identified that the first step toward making a change is creating a sense of urgency.

But what if you didn’t wait for urgency? What if you took the time to thoughtfully consider whether or not moving might actually benefit your family—before life forces your hand?

Right now, we’re in a market where selling quickly is a huge advantage, and moving fast as a buyer might work out just as well.

Improve Your Curb Appeal—Whether You’re Staying or Selling

If you’re preparing to sell your home or just moved into a new one, treat yourself to a fresh Entry Envy sign to instantly boost your curb appeal. A new personalized sign can add warmth and charm to your entryway—and who knows, maybe you’ll fall in love with your home all over again.

I’m Not a Realtor—Just a Real-Life Homeowner

While I’m not a real estate expert, I am a homeowner, mom, and business owner—and I’ve thought deeply about what makes a home truly work for a family. Here are a few key considerations to reflect on if a move might be in your future:

Things to Think About Before Moving:

Interest rates: Are they stable, or expected to rise soon?
Spring inventory surge: When the market floods with listings, your home might not stand out.
School timing: Would your kids benefit from a new district or school before fall? August comes faster than we expect.
Commute time: How much time could you gain by living closer to the places you visit most—work, school, the grocery store, gym, or kids' activities?
Rising gas prices: Are transportation costs eating into your budget?
Big-ticket repairs: Are you facing costly home improvements in the next year or two—like a roof, HVAC, windows, or siding?

Your Home Impacts Your Mental Health More Than You Think

Now let’s shift gears a bit.

There are subtle reasons for moving that often go unnoticed—especially those that impact your mental health. Every day I look at my backyard and think about the fence that needs replacing, the tree that needs trimming, the yard cleanup I’ve been putting off. Is it enough to justify moving? Of course not. But when you combine that with an outdated interior, aging siding, and constant repair reminders—it starts to weigh on you.

Whether your home is new or old, its condition affects your energy and mindset. If you haven’t studied feng shui, it’s worth a quick look. Simply put: your home affects your mood.

A Happy Home = A Happy Life

All I ever want—for myself or anyone—is happiness. And your home plays a huge role in that. What does it smell like? Sound like? Look like? Is it chaotic or calm?

When your home feels messy, unfinished, or unwelcoming, that stress shows up in every part of your life. It’s a constant visual reminder that you’re overwhelmed or behind. That affects your confidence, your mindset, and even your relationships.

So pause and reflect—what needs to change? The house? The habits? The layout? The location?

When Your Mood Comes From Home (Not Work)

I’ve managed employees for over 20 years, and I’ll tell you this: when someone’s underperforming—crabby, unfocused, or constantly late—99% of the time, it’s not work. It’s home.

That’s why it’s important to get honest about what’s really draining you. You can’t always control your circumstances, but you can choose how you respond—and where you live is a huge piece of that.

Reset Your Mood—From the Outside In

When you leave for work, set the tone for the day. Whether it’s coffee, music, or a call with a friend—start your morning on the right foot. I once heard speaker Steve Gilliland say, “Your attitude is contagious.” He’s right. As a leader, parent, or partner, your mood affects everyone around you.

And when you come home? Set the tone again.

Ask yourself:

What’s the first thing I see when I pull into the driveway?
What’s the first thing I feel when I walk in the door?

If the answer is stress, overwhelm, or dread—start there.

Clean the garage.
Add a cheerful print near the entry.
Freshen up the paint.
Hang a custom Entry Envy sign that welcomes you home every time.

These little touches can shift your energy, your mood, and your entire evening with your family.

In Closing

You deserve to feel good about where you live. Whether that means staying and sprucing up or moving into a new home that better supports your life—give yourself permission to evaluate your space.

Home isn’t just where the heart is.
It’s where your energy starts—and where your mindset ends up.

ything for an extended period is a challenge. However, choosing a "Word of the Year" has been extremely effective for me. It's a simple concept: I repeat my word daily, incorporate it into my computer password, and share it regularly with others. It's become a significant part of my life.

1. Fearless Beginnings (2022)

On December 31, 2021, I declared "Fearless" as my Word of the Year for 2022. The day before, I had turned in my notice into the chairman and president of the law firm where I was serving as the executive director. I was about to pursue my dream of running Entry Envy full time. I'm sure many would think this wasn't a decision made in one's "right mind." But I trusted myself and knew I needed to devote 100% of my time to my new company to make it a success. Being "Fearless" didn't mean not feeling fear; it meant facing fear head-on and pushing forward regardless.

2. Trusting the Process (May 2022)

By May 2022, I felt I had mastered being "Fearless" and declared a new word: "Trust." Trust meant believing in the process, my team, God, the Universe, and myself.

3. Surrendering for Success (January 1, 2023)

Then, on January 1, 2023, I chose "Surrender." This meant continuing to work hard while letting go of the need to control everything. I had built an amazing company and needed to allow good things to come to me. And they did! I was accepted into a prestigious nationally-ranked accelerator program and won a $50,000 pitch competition.

4. Seeking Clarity (2023)

Realizing the true power of my chosen words, I declared "Clarity" as my second word for 2023. This was, by far, the most challenging word to embody. As my company grew, more opportunities arose, requiring tough decisions. I had to navigate these choices, focusing on long-term goals, scalable options, and realistic opportunities. For an entrepreneur accustomed to seeing endless possibilities, setting limits is a difficult but necessary task. It took the rest of 2023, but I finally achieved the clarity I had been looking for to take the next steps of the company with certainty.

5. Ready for 2024

Entering 2024 feels incredible. I am ready, and so is my company. We're launching a fabulous new website with Praella in January, rolling out Facebook ads, Google ads, and launching on Amazon. We have a waiting list of 25 qualified people eager to work with us, the space to expand, and secured capital.

Conclusion: Love as the Guiding Word for 2024

So, what's my Word of the Year for 2024?

Inspired by a recent podcast from Rachel Hollis, whom I resonate with deeply (like the million other women who adore her), I've been contemplating my perspective on delayed gratification. So many high achievers live in a perpetual state of “I’ll be happy when xyz.”

This hit hard when I realized that’s exactly what I’ve been doing—constantly moving the goalposts before I even celebrate the milestone my team and I just accomplished. But what I also realized is that I am incredibly happy right now, exactly as my life is.

Is it perfect? Absolutely not, but I love the life I've created with my family, friends, expansive network, team, customers, and company. I don't tell any of them often enough how much they mean to me.

Therefore, my word for 2024 is "Love." It’s kind of a combination to me of gratitude and surrender, and just feels right. This word will remind me to slow down just enough to share love.

Cheers to health, happiness, and prosperity in 2024. I can't wait to see what the next 12 months bring.

What is your word of the year? Declare it; repeat it daily; live it.