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 anything 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 goal posts 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 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.