Why I Choose a Word Every Year — and Why This One Matters

Every year, towards the end of the fourth quarter, I start my favorite personal ritual – choosing my word of the year. And I don’t rush it. This isn’t a “pick a word on January 1st and hope it sticks” kind of thing. This process takes me a few weeks because I want to sit with it, reflect, pray on it, and pay attention to what keeps coming up in my life.

By the time January hits, I know my word isn’t just a theme, it’s a direction. It’s intentional, it’s aligned, and it’s something I’m committed to living out every single day, both personally and professionally.

Why One Word? Why Every Year?

Because clarity is everything.

We all set goals… but goals without direction quickly turn into noise. A word of the year is different. It simplifies your focus. It sharpens your mindset. It keeps you aligned.

A single word becomes:

• the lens you view opportunities through
• the standard you hold yourself to
• the compass for your decisions
• the reminder of who you’re becoming

And unlike resolutions, which fade by February, your word stays present all year long. It works on your habits, your mindset, your reactions, your discipline… and your heart.

Your word becomes your identity in progress.

My word.

This year, I landed on a word that feels powerful, honest, and deeply relevant to where I am right now: POTENTIAL. And I didn’t select it lightly.

Potential is the space between where you are and who you’re capable of becoming.

Because this year, I’m choosing to believe in everything I know is inside me — the things I haven’t fully stepped into yet.

Potential is untapped strength.
Potential is growth you haven’t claimed yet.
Potential is the reminder that you’re not done.

I picked POTENTIAL because I want to stop underestimating what I’m capable of and start leaning into it boldly – whether it’s writing, leading, teaching, speaking, coaching, my faith, my relationships, or the way I show up for others.

And personally? It’s a reminder to live at my highest level; spiritually, mentally, physically, emotionally – not just the level that’s comfortable.

The Process That Gets Me There

This year’s process looked different; thanks to a book I was introduced to in October: Evan Carmichael’s book Your One Word. And I have to say, his system is a game-changer.

Instead of just picking a word that “sounds good,” he walks you through:

• breaking down what truly matters to you
• identifying the values that have shaped your life
• examining what you naturally fight for
• spotting the themes that show up again and again

His process peeled back layers I didn’t even realize were still there. And it helped me see that everything I do, from guiding agents, writing my book, pouring into people, building programs, to leading at my brokerage, is rooted in helping others unlock their potential.

So why wouldn’t I choose that for myself?

How My Word Drives My Goals

A word isn’t just inspirational – it’s directional. This year, it will show up in how I am going to:

• build out my goals
• create my routines
• choose my projects
• evaluate the opportunities in front of me
• show up for myself and for others

When I’m making decisions this year, I’ll be asking myself:

Does this expand my potential… or limit it?
Does this help others rise to their potential?
Is this aligned with the highest version of who I want to be?

That level of clarity changes the game.

What This Means for My Life & Business This Year

This year, I’m committed to:

• stepping into bigger rooms, even when they intimidate me
• speaking up more boldly
• stretching myself instead of shrinking
• building systems that support long-term growth for others
• honoring my calling to help others rise
• choosing the uncomfortable things that make me better

Potential isn’t passive. Potential only becomes power when you put in the work.

And that’s my mission this year as I turn 50: to stop playing small in any area and step fully into everything God has called me to do.

Why You Should Choose a Word, Too

If you’ve never done this process before, try it. Seriously. Choosing a word isn’t corny or cliché – it’s clarity.

It’s the simplest way to anchor your year with purpose and intentionality. And when life gets busy (and it always does), your word brings you back to center every time.

Here’s to POTENTIAL – mine, yours, and all the incredible things waiting on the other side of courage.

Let’s step into it – boldly, unapologetically, and with the determination to become the version of ourselves we know we’re capable of being.

Choose your word.
Live it out.
And watch what becomes possible.

Not sure where to begin? Grab a copy of Your One Word by Evan Carmichael, or send me a message. I’m happy to assist!