Every year, I choose one word to guide me through the 365 days ahead.
That one word is what I want the year ahead to be filled with, what I want to focus on, each day. It’s a word that provides needed perspective on the hard days and a further sense of accomplishment when goals are achieved.
Going into 2025, I contemplated three different possible word choices. I know some people who choose their word of the year with a plan. Mine is a more intuitive process. And so in looking at those three words, one immediately stood out.
In that moment, I knew what it would be – 
Why growth?
The definition of growth fits perfectly for where I’m at as a leader.
⭐️ I firmly believe that it is important to always be in the process of evolving into who you are becoming – thoughtfully and intentionally.
⭐️ I am driven to look for opportunities to rise from failure and adapt to changing circumstances.
⭐️ I am continuously striving to learn without fear (fearlessly say yes!!).
⭐️ I am passionate about reaching for the best to come (and to help other leaders do the same – nothing motivates me more!)
Throughout my career, I’ve always strived to grow through every experience – to be the best I can be for myself and my team. A few years ago, growth became even more significant. I experienced the loss of friendships who were a major support to me and through that experience I had to learn to adapt and adjust in ways I never had before.
I needed to grow through what I was going through. I still am. I am grateful for the process because it has made me who I am today.
Why should leaders focus on growth?
Leaders who lead high performing teams and have work cultures where everyone wants to show up to have one thing in common: they focus on growth.
Growth as a leader looks like:
- Continuously learning, whether that’s through reading books, listening to podcasts or talking with people who have different opinions than you
- Knowing when to delegate because you understand that if you don’t burnout is the result
- Being comfortable with finding opportunities in the unknown
- Taking action and remaining accountable when you least feel like it
- Stepping out of your comfort zone to reach new successes
- Seeing setbacks as learning experiences
- Showing up at 100% every single day (why would you ever be less than your best?)
- Providing growth opportunities for your team
Growth as a leader is important. You will never reach your goals or develop engaged teams if you remain stagnant.
Continue with what works, but always be open to new ideas, solutions and opportunities. You truly never know what you can achieve when you focus on growth.
I still miss aspects of those friendships, but I am grateful for the push to grow in different ways. I’m thankful the experience has changed me into the person I am today. I’m looking forward to more growth this year and to help other leaders grow, too!
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Leadership Coaching program where leaders drive their learning and achieve lasting results!
