As we step into a new year, the natural instinct is to create a long list of resolutions. In my experience, this practice often introduces unnecessary friction and scatters our focus across too many objectives.
Keeping it simple is what I have found to be the best way to begin a year with clarity and purpose. I replaced resolutions with a more grounded exercise several years ago. This focused reflection offers consistent clarity, streamlines decision-making, and builds sustainable momentum for the year ahead.
Glimmer of Inspiration ✨
Leaders are excellent at planning and strategizing for the year ahead. We create roadmaps and set objectives. Yet, even the best plans meet ambiguity, change, and overwhelm. That is why I rely on a simple, quiet reflection practice. It's not a replacement for your strategy; it's the step that creates your internal compass.
I start by checking in with what happened last year. I look for lessons, asking two simple questions:
This pause establishes a guide for the year ahead, leading to the discovery of the anchor word that you will use as your internal compass in the year ahead.
Lightbulb Moment 💡
The lessons learned from my 2025 reflection led me to choose a single word for the year: Intention.
For me, Intention means several things. It means sharing my story and my journey as I connect with others, and knowing who I want to be in a situation, not just what I want to do. It is about staying focused and working toward my strategy with purpose.
I visualize this word as my own Yellow Brick Road guided by a warm, clear light. This road is paved with the lessons I learned in the past year, showing me exactly where to step. When I am pulled toward a bright, shiny new distraction that word becomes my instant guidance. I stopped squirreling.
This is how the Anchor Word works for a leader. When you face a dilemma, a tough decision, or feel overwhelmed, you simply bring yourself back to that one word. It is your quick check:
Is this new opportunity aligned with my <anchor word>?
It is a simple tool that ensures every action you take is driving you toward your biggest objective for the year.
Shine Brighter: Your Growth Challenge 🌟
My challenge for you this week is to let go of the long resolution list and instead dedicate fifteen minutes to your own quiet reflection.
Ask yourself the same questions I use to find your Anchor Word:
Based on the information you uncover, what is the single, guiding word you need for 2026?
Let that word be your Yellow Brick Road for the year ahead. It will bring you back to clarity when the road ahead is ambiguous, and it will remind you why you are succeeding when you are feeling clear and joyful.
This is simple, focused leadership.
Finding your Anchor Word is the first step in solidifying your focus and aligning your actions with your personal brand for the year ahead. Your Anchor Word is your public promise to yourself and a quiet declaration of the clarity you are prioritizing.
What intentional word will guide your decisions and define your focus for 2026?
I look forward to hearing the strategic clarity you are bringing into the new year.
Here’s to finding your spark—and letting it shine.
Coach Karen