Some years are so rough that you don’t finish one goal and feel blessed to have just survived. It makes setting resolutions and goals for the next year feel impossible. Those are the years when having a theme or word to focus on offers flexibility. You can end the year feeling successful because your intent for the year was met. Maybe not the way you planned, but you can see the word being brought to life in the things completed throughout the year. No matter what happens, if your actions aligned with your theme or word for the year, you can feel focused and successful. Your whole list of goals may be left undone but you lived that theme or word to the best of your abilities.
Selecting a theme or word for the year can be done in many ways.
People post lists to read, and you select the theme or word that resonates with you. C.Lee has a free 6-page guide for choosing a word (see below for the link). A group of people in your social circle may agree to focus on the same theme through a study or online group program. The Sunday Paper posted a crossword puzzle and the first word you see is for you. A few brave people use a word generator to select their word for the year.
Select a theme or word for the season you are in.
Look for a common theme as you review the past year (see my previous blog post for how to do a review). Focus on areas where you are looking for change or have been struggling. As an example, last year I really wanted to feel like I was taking care of my home well and that it was a place that reflected who I am. One of the lists of words I found had flourish on it. The official Merriam Webster definition is “a decorative or finishing detail”. Dr. Google also found the definition of “activity cultivate a sense of well-being, fulfillment, and positive growth”. Both seemed to fit the goal of caring for my home, and I could see how this word can be expanded to all areas of my life. So, flourish was my word for 2025.
Select a word that has meaning for you.
Remembering a theme or word that is not a typical word you use can be a challenge but it can also be exciting and add a sense of adventure! Setting up a vision board or writing it on a post it note for your bathroom mirror or fridge will help you focus on what the word is throughout the year.
Selecting a word that has meaning for you that you commonly use can also successful because you are reminded of your theme or goal every time you say it.
What is my word for 2026?
I am one of those people who check something off my to-do list and jump right into the next thing. I want 2026 to be a year where I focus on celebrating. The goal is to take a day, or a few if needed, to honor the hard work and/or bravery required to achieve something. Can you guess my word for 2026? Yes, “celebrate”!
The challenge with having “celebrate” as the word of the year is finding healthy ways to celebrate. Meaning I cannot eat a Sugar Lips cupcake every time I check a box off my to do list or finish an act of bravery. January’s goal may be to identify small and large celebrations to recognize achievements.
Please send ideas. What are some of the healthy ways you celebrate your achievements?
Links to help you dig in:
C.Lee’s word of the year guide.
Life Coach Patience 