If you’re anything like me, you might already feel behind on the year, and it’s okay! Life’s messy, full of surprises, and often overflowing with more tasks and emotions than any of us bargained for. That’s why I’m making a bold shift: instead of choosing a word of the year, I’m embracing the idea of a word of the quarter. Here’s why this change is rocking my world, and why it might help you, too.
Why the Word of the Year Can Feel Overwhelming
The concept of choosing a word of the year is supposed to be simple: one word to guide your focus, align your goals, and tether you to your purpose. But here’s the thing: life doesn’t unfold neatly in 12-month increments. Sometimes, it’s a firehose of emotions, possibilities, and unexpected challenges. For many of us, including myself, the past year felt more like survival than thriving. Or a year of growth, rebuilding, and navigating curveballs.
While the word of the year works for some, I found it too broad to handle the unique rhythm of my life. What if you’re pivoting in your business, rebuilding systems, or just trying to keep your head above water? That’s where the word of the quarter comes in.
Embracing Words of the Quarter: A Fresh Perspective
Instead of trying to stick to one guiding word for the entire year, breaking it down into quarters gives you room to breathe, pivot, and adjust as needed. Here’s how I’m doing it:
Q1: Systems
The first quarter of my year is all about systems. Why? Because without the right support systems, everything feels harder. Whether it’s fractional CMO work, podcast production, or managing family life, creating effective systems is the foundation for sustainable success. For me, this means:
- Building workflows that support my team and myself.
- Reorganizing how we produce content for Boss Mom podcasts and YouTube.
- Prioritizing tasks that allow me to work smarter, not harder.
If you’re juggling too much, maybe your word of the quarter should also be systems. Ask yourself: what processes could make your life easier?
Q2: Traffic
Once systems are in place, it’s time to focus on traffic. We are getting eyeballs on your work, whether it’s a blog, website, or social media. Visibility is critical to growing your business, and for me, it’s about:
- Driving more traffic to our newly revamped Boss Mom site.
- Focusing on SEO and content strategies that align with our goals.
- Building a plan to attract consistent, meaningful engagement.
This quarter is all about putting our work out there and ensuring the right people see it.
Q3: Authority
By the third quarter, it’s time to establish authority. This is about more than just visibility; it’s about showing the world what you’re capable of. For Boss Mom, this will include:
- Publishing the updated edition of the Boss Mom book. This is perfect timing as it marks a decade since the original release.
- Developing new ways to showcase expertise and provide value to our audience.
What could authority look like for you? Maybe it’s launching a new project, hosting a webinar, or finally hitting publish on that blog you’ve been sitting on.
Q4: 10%
The final quarter is about finishing what’s left undone. I call it the 10% quarter because it’s about pushing all those 90% completed projects over the finish line. Whether it’s tweaking website links, finalizing a product launch, or simply tying up loose ends, Q4 is your chance to clear the decks and prepare for a clean slate.
How to Choose Your Words of the Quarter
Feeling inspired to give this a try? Here are a few steps to get started:
- Reflect on Your Needs: What’s weighing on you right now? Where do you feel stuck?
- Set Quarterly Intentions: Think about what you need to accomplish in the next 90 days. Let your word guide your focus.
- Be Flexible: Life changes quickly. If your priorities shift, don’t be afraid to adjust your word.
- Stay Accountable: Write down your word and what it means to you. Share it with someone who can help keep you focused.
Permission to Be Messy and Behind
Let’s get real: feeling behind doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re human. It’s okay to cry, to be overwhelmed, and to pour your metaphorical neti pot salt into the sink (trust me, I’ve been there). The important thing is that you keep moving forward, even if it feels messy.
As moms, as entrepreneurs, and as women juggling a million roles, we’re capable of so much. Sometimes, we just need a little more structure, and a lot more grace, to keep going.
Your Success is Inevitable
Whether you stick with a word of the year, shift to words of the quarter, or skip the concept entirely, the key is to stay intentional. You are not broken, crazy, or alone. You’re a powerhouse navigating a world full of challenges, opportunities, and growth. Keep pushing, keep dreaming, and keep showing up for yourself and your goals.
And hey, if you’re ready to connect with a community of like-minded moms, join us at Boss Mom Plus. Let’s make this year, and every quarter, count.
December 26, 2024
