Your Iconic Power Word

Hi {{first_name}} ,

The confetti has been swept up. The champagne is finished. And if we are being honest, the "New Year, New Me" energy is probably already starting to dip.

If you're one of the 91% whose resolutions have already started to slip, you're not undisciplined. You're just using a system designed to fail.

Resolutions are restrictive. They focus on what you can't do or what you must force yourself to do. 

They're pass/fail. Miss one day and the whole thing feels broken.

I stopped making resolutions years ago.

Instead, I use a strategy that's simpler, more flexible, and actually works.

I choose a Power Word.

Many powerful women, including Melinda Gates, use this technique because it does not restrict, it elevates. 

When you define your word, you define your direction, and you become SUPER intentional about where you give your time, energy, and attention.

Your Power Word isn't motivational fluff. It's a decision-making filter.

When you're faced with a choice—whether to take a new role, launch a project, say yes to a request, or set a boundary—you don't need a complex pros-and-cons list.

You just measure it against your word.

Does this serve my word? Yes or no.

That's it.

It’s not magic. It’s biology. Here are three reasons a single word beats a list of resolutions:

1. You Hack Your Brain’s Search Engine. Your Reticular Activating System filters out noise. A complex resolution is just another "task" to remember. A single word programs your filter to spot specific opportunities. You won't have to look for them; you will just see them.

2. You Trigger Reward, Not Stress  Resolutions are usually restrictive ("Don't do X"), which triggers anxiety pathways. A Power Word is aspirational ("Create X"), which triggers dopamine.  You cannot hate your way to high performance; your brain needs a reward signal to build a habit. 

A Power Word is flexible. It allows for imperfection while keeping you moving in the right direction. 

3. You Eliminate "Decision Fatigue" Willpower is a battery, and it drains fast. A complex list of rules depletes your energy by 10 a.m. A single word acts as a mental shortcut. It makes the decision for you, saving your brain power for the work that matters.

And here's the part most people miss: A Power Word connects to your values, not just tasks. It's about who you're becoming, not just what you're doing.

That's what makes it stick.

Don't overthink this. The right word often comes from instinct. 

To get started, think about what you want most from this year. Then think about the one thing that will get you there. Finally, define it in a strong, empowering word.

For example,

If you've been longing to be seen and valued for the expert you are, you could choose "VISIBILITY".

Every decision gets measured: Does this increase my visibility to the right people? Y/N

You stop being the "best-kept secret" and start building your professional presence. You become sought-after, not overlooked.

If you're overworked, overwhelmed, and doing everything yourself when you don't have to, you could choose “SIMPLICITY”

Before you start a task, ask: Can AI or someone else do this? Is this essential? Is this the best use of MY time?

Result: You stop equating "busy" with "valuable" and start operating like the CEO of You Ltd.

If you're tired of seeking approval and playing the game instead of making the impact you desire, “COURAGE” will be a great motivator.

Does this require me to be brave? Does this move me from validation to respect?

Result: You move from seeking validation to commanding respect. You build your stage instead of climbing someone else's ladder.

A Power Word only works if you keep it visible daily

Don't leave it in your head.

When you make your word visible and public, you create momentum.

Complexity is the enemy of action.

Resolutions are complex. A Power Word is simple.

It acts as your anchor through the highs and lows of the year. It ensures that even when the path gets chaotic, you're always moving in the right direction.

So, what's your word for 2026? What will get you closer to elevating your Iconic Edge?

Reply and let me know. I'd love to hear what's guiding you this year.

All my best,
Nichola

P.S. What’s my power word this year? It’s Community, because I want to bring together women like you who deserve to thrive and lead in an AI world, and show them how to Be Iconic and leave the ladder behind to create their own professional stage. 

Everything I do will be aimed at making that happen. 

If you know women who want to get ahead of the game in the AI age, forward this to them. We rise together.