What to Do When Your Word of the Year Isn’t Working Anymore

It’s July. That “fresh year, new you” energy from January? Long gone. Maybe you even set a word of the year—ambitious, hopeful, ready to take on the world. But now? If you’re honest, you can’t remember what it was, or you’re not living by it. And honestly? That’s okay.

Here’s the thing: leadership isn’t about rigidly sticking to a plan just because you wrote it down six months ago. Leadership is about alignment, adaptability, and owning the evolution of who you are—right now.

When Your Word Loses Its Shine

At the start of this year, my word was “elevate.” I chose it in a season where everything felt like survival—family challenges, overcommitting, running on fumes. I was determined to get out of fight-or-flight and into something more grounded. I even made a list (some of it’s a bit funny) of ways I wanted to elevate my life and business. Things like eating more veggies, turning off the big overhead light, keeping the garden alive (I’m still working on that one).

But “elevate” wasn’t just about lifestyle. It was about moving my business forward—leading seasoned business owners to their next level, opening up space for big vision thinking, and honouring the women in my mastermind who are quietly doing incredible things in regional Australia. That’s how Project Elevate, my business retreat, was born. A space for deep leadership, real strategy, and some well-earned fun.

Reflect. Reclaim. Realign.

But life happens. Maybe you’ve drifted from your word, or maybe you never picked one at all. Maybe you’re not even the same person you were in January. The good news? There’s still time to anchor into something new—or reclaim what you set out to do.

Take a breath and look at where you are now. Is your original word still serving you? Or does it feel heavy, out of step, or irrelevant? If you need a new word, pick one. If you want to recommit to the old one, go for it. This isn’t about forcing yourself to stick to a plan out of obligation. It’s about finding what’s truly aligned for this season of leadership.

Why Leaders Evolve (And Why That’s Not Inconsistency)

Here’s something a lot of people get wrong: Leaders don’t stick to a plan just to prove a point. Leaders adjust. Leaders listen. Leaders evolve. That’s not inconsistency—that’s maturity. If your word of the year has served its purpose, thank it and move on. Find something you can ground into for the next 90 days, not just the next six months.

In a fast-moving, noisy market, it’s more important than ever to be known for something. To ground your energy, your message, your leadership in a word or idea that’s relevant now—not just what sounded good in January.

Practical Steps to Anchor Your Leadership Now

Reflect: 

What was your word of the year? How did it shape your actions so far?

Reclaim:

If you’ve lost your way, how can you bring that word (or a new one) into focus for the next quarter?

Realign: 

What’s working? What’s not? What needs to change for you to lead with more clarity and confidence?

And remember—this is about choosing alignment, not obligation. Your audience, your team, your clients—they’re looking for a leader who’s real, adaptable, and willing to shift when it matters. Not someone who doubles down on a direction that no longer fits.

Lead the Next Season—Your Way

Maybe your word of the year needs a refresh. Maybe you need a whole new vision for the next ninety days. Whatever it is, honour where you are, adjust as needed, and lead yourself (and your business) forward. The market’s moving fast. Let’s move with it, anchored and intentional.