By mid-January, many of us find our initial burst of New Year’s motivation waning. It’s easy to feel stuck, whether you’re working toward personal goals or striving to build a stronger team and workplace culture. But as a leader or professional, staying motivated is about more than just keeping yourself on track—it’s about inspiring those around you to stay the course too.
Here are 10 powerful words, tailored for leaders and professionals, to help you reignite your passion, refocus your team, and continue building a workplace culture that thrives.
1. Purpose
Purpose is your “why.” As a leader, remind yourself—and your team—of the larger mission you’re working toward. Whether it’s delivering exceptional customer service or fostering a collaborative work environment, reconnecting with your purpose can renew motivation and clarity.
Pro Tip: Regularly share your organization’s mission and values during team meetings to reinforce the bigger picture for everyone.
2. Planning
Even with a solid plan in place, setbacks happen. Use those moments to reassess your approach. Effective leaders don’t just create plans—they adapt them. Break big goals into smaller, actionable steps for both yourself and your team.
Pro Tip: Use visual tools like timelines or project boards to help your team track progress and stay focused on short-term wins that build toward long-term success.
3. Acceptance
Leadership isn’t about perfection. It’s about growth. Accepting that challenges are a natural part of the journey will help you stay calm and focused. Encourage your team to embrace mistakes as opportunities to learn and improve.
Pro Tip: Share a personal story of a time you overcame a challenge or mistake. Vulnerability from leaders fosters trust and resilience within your team.
4. Reward
Recognition is a powerful motivator—for you and your team. Celebrate milestones, big and small, to keep the momentum going. Rewards don’t have to be elaborate; sometimes a heartfelt “thank you” can mean the world.
Pro Tip: Implement regular team celebrations, like “wins of the week,” to acknowledge contributions and keep spirits high.
5. Health
Great leaders know that personal well-being is essential to sustaining professional performance. If you’re burned out, it will reflect on your team. Model healthy habits like taking breaks, prioritizing sleep, and staying active.
Pro Tip: Encourage your team to take care of themselves too. Offering wellness resources or simply respecting work-life boundaries can make a huge difference in productivity and morale.
6. Motivation
Sometimes, you need a little external inspiration to reignite your drive. Seek out motivational books, podcasts, or workshops that resonate with you. Then, share these insights with your team to inspire collective growth.
Pro Tip: Start a monthly leadership book club or share a favorite motivational quote at the beginning of team meetings.
7. Organization
Disorganization can lead to stress and wasted energy. Simplify your processes, both personally and for your team, to create clarity and focus. A clean and organized workspace can lead to better decision-making and productivity.
Pro Tip: Dedicate time each quarter to assess workflows and identify areas for improvement. Involve your team in brainstorming solutions for greater buy-in.
8. Refresh
Stagnation can dampen enthusiasm. Look for opportunities to inject new energy into your goals or workplace culture. Whether it’s a new project, a creative team-building activity, or simply changing up routines, refreshing your approach can spark innovation.
Pro Tip: Host a brainstorming session to explore fresh ideas for team projects or cultural initiatives. New perspectives often lead to exciting breakthroughs.
9. Networking
Building relationships with like-minded professionals is invaluable for inspiration and growth. Reach out to peers, mentors, or industry groups to exchange ideas and gain support. Networking isn’t just for career advancement—it’s a way to share experiences and stay motivated.
Pro Tip: Encourage your team to network as well. Provide opportunities for them to attend conferences, join industry groups, or participate in cross-departmental projects.
10. Action
Action is the ultimate antidote to stagnation. Even small steps can create momentum. As a leader, your actions set the tone for your team. Show them the value of perseverance and proactive problem-solving.
Pro Tip: Create an action-oriented culture by celebrating effort and progress, not just results. Encourage your team to take initiative and learn by doing.
Leadership Is a Year-Round Commitment
Motivation doesn’t have to fade after the New Year. By focusing on these 10 powerful words and strategies, you can stay inspired and help your team do the same. Building a strong workplace culture and achieving meaningful goals isn’t about one big effort—it’s about consistent, intentional actions all year long.
Let this serve as your reminder to keep going, keep leading, and keep inspiring. Together, you and your team can make 2025 a year to remember for all the right reasons.
If you want more secrets to a thriving workplace, you can:
Listen to the Culture Secrets Podcast on your favorite platform.
Grab your copy of the book Culture Secrets.
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Join my private Successfully Ever After Facebook Group for trainings and information designed for success-seekers.
Check out my audio books: Get Noticed, Get Hired or When In Doubt, Delete It!
