Many will make huge resolutions in January, only to forget them by March. But there is a simple approach entrepreneurs are using to stay on track all 12 months. If you want to learn more about how to say “no” and save your progress, this article will teach you how one little word can be the answer you’ve been looking for all along by helping you discover your own word of the year.
Why One Word Works Better Than Dozens of Goals
Putting too many goals on your plate at once can result in decision fatigue or, worse, feeling defeated, and the data supports that. An overload of goals can harm performance, especially when goals demand attention. Unlike typical resolutions, a one-word focus serves as a compass, allowing you to say yes to what supports your vision and no to what pulls you, especially when guided by a clear word.
One Entrepreneur’s Story of Personal Development
Entrepreneur contributor Rogers Healy selected one personal development word and aligned his business goals. Instead of tracking dozens of disconnected metrics, he stayed focused, resulting in real progress. This kind of singular focus helps create momentum, especially when paired with consistent reflection throughout the year, which is exactly how a strong word supports steady growth.
How to Choose Your Word for the Year
Many are finding power in choosing just one word to focus their energy for the year ahead. If you’re ready to cut the noise and find steady focus, here’s how to choose a word that resonates with you while shaping your word of the year journey and helping you understand how to choose your word.
1. Reflect on Your Wins and Setbacks From the Past Year
Pay attention to the moments that made you feel proud and the ones that left you frustrated. These reflections highlight patterns in how you spend your energy and where you find meaning. By recognizing your growth and your struggles, you gain insight into what matters most to you, which often points to the right word.
2. What’s Missing or Needs More Attention in My Life?
After examining your experiences, move your attention to what currently seems to be out of balance. Perhaps you’re busy showing up for others while neglecting yourself or going through the motions. A Gallup poll on well-being concluded, “When you have an unmet need, it drives down your performance and satisfaction,” which further strengthens the impact of choosing a meaningful word.
3. Brainstorm a List of Words That Evoke Clarity, Energy, or Inspiration
Once you know where your focus goes, give yourself space to explore words that align with that need. Let the list be unfiltered; include any word that sparks motivation or clarity, even if it’s unusual. You’re allowing ideas to surface without judgment while opening space for a purposeful word of the year.
4. Choose One That Resonates Deeply, and Define What It Means for You
Look at your list and see which word keeps pulling your attention, even if it’s quietly or surprisingly. Once you’ve found that word, define what it means for you, like how you want it to show up in your habits, mindset, and goals. The more personal your definition, the more powerful the word becomes, especially when it becomes your word and supports your own personal development word for success.
Don’t Just Choose, Live the Word
Once you’ve selected your preferred word, make sure that you create a plan for how you’ll apply it. If your word is “build,” how will you build your career, network, or self-worth? Regularly journal or check in with how your word is showing up in daily life. Furthermore, this strategy takes discipline, but the simplicity of focus makes it powerful, and it’s not about doing more; it’s about doing what matters.
Stay Aligned and Start Simple
Done with intention and consistent reflection, this small process will give you your most productive year yet. Connect the power of your word to the use of your energy and to remembering what counts. Remember, you need one word that encourages you forward, especially when you treat it as your personal word and learn how using a single word to stay focused supports deeper growth.
