ELEVATE: The Enhanced DNA Word for 2026

Every January, I try to choose a guiding word to anchor my focus for the year ahead. It is not a resolution or a checklist. It is a lens that helps me stay grounded in who I want to be and how I want to lead. As we move into 2026, I feel the momentum of the past year and the growth that has taken place across every part of my work. This next season calls for clarity, expansion, and intentional next-level progress.

That is why my word for 2026 is ELEVATE.

Why “ELEVATE” Chose Me

The word elevate holds a sense of upward movement, but it also carries something more meaningful. Elevation is refinement. It is choosing to rise with purpose. It is not about adding more to the plate. It is about doing what matters with greater intention.

Elevation builds on the foundation that already exists. It asks us to be honest about what needs to change and what is ready to grow. It calls for alignment between vision and execution, so the steps we take match the future we see.

What Elevation Really Requires

Elevation is not an accident. It is a deliberate decision, supported by structure and discipline. For me, it includes four core elements:

Clarity. You can only elevate what you understand. Knowing the “why” behind your next step shapes how you take it.

Capacity. Growth requires systems, skills, and support that can hold it. Elevation happens when you prepare the foundation first.

Standards. Raising the bar is a commitment. Elevation asks you to refine, strengthen, and choose excellence over convenience.

Consistency. A moment of elevation is powerful. Sustained elevation is transformational. That takes steady action over time.

Elevation in Action: What This Looks Like for Enhanced DNA in 2026

In 2026, Elevate will show up across every part of my work.

This year, I am focused on elevating how we serve, how we build, and how we lead. I will be adding specific details in each of these areas, including updates to HR consulting, business consulting, and publishing.

Elevating HR services and strategy

Elevating business consulting and supplier readiness
Elevating publishing packages, author tools, and support
Elevating how I show up as a leader and founder

Each initiative reflects a commitment to higher standards, stronger systems, and deeper impact.

What Elevate Means for Our Clients, Partners, and Community

Elevation is not just an internal focus. It is also my promise to the people and organizations I serve. Growth is a shared journey. It requires accountability, encouragement, and structures that help everyone move forward with confidence.

In 2026, clients can expect more clarity, stronger processes, and services shaped by excellence. Partners can expect deeper collaboration and intentional alignment. Our community can expect work that is service-driven and built for sustainable success, not burnout.

A Reflective Invitation for You

As we step into a new year, I invite you to pause and reflect.

What in your life or business is ready to be elevated?
What systems need strengthening before you grow?
Where have you outgrown your current approach?
What standard are you ready to raise in 2026?

Your word for the year may already be calling you forward.

A Commitment to Elevate

Elevate is my commitment for 2026. It reflects a year of intentional growth, higher standards, and work that aligns with purpose and integrity. I am moving into this new season with clarity and confidence.

Here’s to a year where we all rise a little higher.

Denola M. Burton is the Founder and CEO of Enhanced DNA: Develop Nurture Achieve, LLC and Enhanced DNA Publishing. Through Enhanced DNA, Denola develops and nurtures individuals and organizations to achieve their Leadership, Communication and Performance goals and objectives. Denola is also an author and publisher and through Enhanced DNA Publishing, assists new and newer authors in publishing their books according to the standards of the Independent Book Publisher's Association (IBPA). Denola retired from Eli Lilly and Company after 27 years where the majority of her career was focused on Employee Relations/Human Resources. Interested in becoming an author? Check out Denola's award-winning books, Enhancing Your Author DNA: Step-by-Step Publishing Guide and Enhancing Your Leadership, Communication and Performance DNA. Denola's newest book, Enhancing Your Leadership DNA: A Guide to Effective Coaching is available for purchase now.