I’m embracing the word alignment as not only my guiding theme for 2025, but the word of the year for CCEI. For me, alignment is about ensuring that all aspects of life and work move cohesively toward a shared vision. It’s about harmonizing values, actions, and ultimately the outcomes that I achieve.
What is Alignment?
Alignment is more than just a buzzword — it’s a way of being. It represents the intersection of intention and execution. When I think of alignment, I envision clarity around what we value (as individuals and as an organization), consistency around the actions that are taken — ensuring that decisions reflect these values, and finally creating cohesion between who we are in the various facets of our lives (personal, professional, etc.).
For me, alignment isn’t about perfection. It’s about being deliberate, reflective, and adaptable, ensuring that I’m always moving in the right direction — even if the path is unexpected.
I love the quote: “Practice makes progress, not perfection.” It’s an example of how alignment can bring us closer to achieving our goals. To see our activity as work towards achieving the goal, not striving for perfection in completion.
When our goals align with our core values, working toward them becomes more natural, eliminating many of the barriers and friction that often stand in our way.
As James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, states: “Before you try to increase your willpower, try to decrease the friction in your environment.” Often, that friction arises from a disconnect between our actions, decisions, and what truly matters to us. By aligning these, we not only reduce resistance but also greatly improve our chances of achieving our goals. It’s not about pushing harder with willpower — it’s about finding harmony through realignment.
Alignment for Entrepreneurs
It’s easy for founders to get pulled in multiple directions — chasing after new and exciting opportunities, tackling obstacles that they encounter every day, and more times than not working to manage competing priorities. This is where alignment becomes critical. Entrepreneurs can work towards alignment in a few critical areas:
Vision: Alignment starts with setting a clear vision. What impact do you want your business to make? Define your mission and core values and let them guide your strategic decisions. When your team, partners, and stakeholders align with your vision, you build a foundation for success.
Productivity: Entrepreneurs often wear many hats in their startups and small businesses (in many cases, they are a team of one), so being aligned helps to filter out distractions and ensures that the focus is put on high-impact activities. It isn’t about how many “things” we check off the to-do list, but rather tackling the tasks that align most closely with our goals. When your efforts align with your goals, you will be far more productive and feel less overwhelmed.
Adaptability: Startups evolve. Alignment doesn’t mean rigidity — it means recalibrating as circumstances change. Whether pivoting your business model or exploring new markets, alignment ensures you’re always progressing forward with intention.
Commitment to Alignment in 2025
This year, I’m committing to living and leading with alignment. This means saying yes to opportunities that align with my values, and no to those that don’t. It means taking time to reflect, recalibrate, and ensure that I am working towards the goals I want to achieve.
To entrepreneurs — I challenge you to embrace alignment as a tool for growth and clarity. Ask yourself:
- Are my daily actions aligned with my goals and are my goals in alignment with my vision?
- Are the opportunities I am choosing in alignment with my values?
- Is my team (or those I collaborate with) working toward a shared goal?
- How am I measuring success?
- Am I investing my energy in what truly matters?
As we navigate 2025, let’s prioritize alignment in our businesses, relationships, and ourselves. When we align our intentions with our actions, we create a ripple effect and can make real impact.
— Jennifer Mathieu, Executive Director, CCEI