"I've chosen my word of the year -- now what?"

Maybe you're like me, and you've chosen a word of the year for 2025. Now what?  

For women entrepreneurs, choosing a word of the year can be a powerful tool to stay focused, aligned with your business goals, and inspired throughout the year. 

Here are 6 ways to make the most of your word of the year as an entrepreneur:

1. Define Your Word in the Context of Your Business

Reflect on what your word means for both your personal and professional life. Write down how it aligns with your entrepreneurial vision, values, and goals. This will give you clarity on how to incorporate it into your business practices.

For example, if your word is "growth," consider what kind of growth you want for your business—whether it’s expanding your client base, increasing revenue, or developing new products or services.

2. Set Clear Business Intentions

Break your word into actionable goals that relate directly to your business strategy. For example, if your word is "innovation," your intentions might include launching a new product, experimenting with marketing strategies, or investing in new technologies to improve your processes.

For example, if your word is "leadership," set goals for improving your leadership skills, mentoring others, or building a strong team culture in your company.

3. Create Visual Reminders in Your Workspace

Design visual cues that keep your word front and center in your business environment. Whether it's a framed quote, a vision board, or a custom desktop background, these reminders will reinforce your focus and help you stay aligned.

For example, if your word is "courage," place an inspiring quote or a visual representation of taking bold steps in your office to remind you to step out of your comfort zone and tackle challenges head-on.

4. Incorporate Your Word into Your Daily Business Habits

Make your word a part of your daily business routines. This could be through a daily reflection on how you’re embodying the word in your work, journaling about your entrepreneurial journey, or setting weekly intentions to make progress.

For example, if your word is "balance," build habits that allow you to prioritize self-care while growing your business, like scheduling time for both work and relaxation, setting boundaries, or delegating tasks.

5. Reflect on Your Progress Regularly

Set aside time to regularly assess how your word is impacting your entrepreneurial journey. This could involve quarterly reviews of how you're staying true to your word and adjusting your strategies accordingly. Reflection can help you course-correct and stay focused on long-term goals.

For example, if your word is "connection," take time each month to evaluate how you're building relationships with clients, partners, and your team. Are you networking enough? Are you creating authentic partnerships?

6. Share Your Word with Your Network

Share your word with other women entrepreneurs, mentors, or members of your business community to create a sense of accountability. This can inspire others, and also give you a support system to help you stay committed.

For example, if your word is "resilience," discuss it with fellow entrepreneurs in your network. They can help you navigate challenges and celebrate your successes, creating a collaborative atmosphere that supports growth.

By taking these steps, your word of the year becomes a guiding force for both personal growth and business success. It helps you stay motivated, aligned with your vision, and focused on what matters most in your entrepreneurial journey.

Happy 2025, everyone!