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My husband was settling into a conference room chair for the first meeting of the new year last week when someone asked, “hey, what’s your word for 2026?” Such a surprising question. Not, what are your resolutions or did you set any new goals? He didn’t have an answer but it sure did get him thinking. Truthfully, he realized, the succinctness of a single word beats even the brevity of a well-constructed mantra.

The idea is this: a list of things you Plan To Do Better can often set you up for the inevitable let down. Shifts in your job and personal responsibilities often require a pivot or a re-tooling of our routines. Choosing a word allows you to pivot when you need to adapt to your circumstances in that moment. A word also reminds you of the essence of what you want to achieve and who you want to be. Asking yourself, “does this align with my word?” can be a quick and simple way to think through possibilities and opportunities.

Consider last year to frame 2026

Something that has always bothered me about new year’s resolutions is that it feels a little bit like a critique of whatever person you were last year. “I’m going to do this thing better” or “I’m going to pick up this habit I’ve neglected.” I don’t like dishonoring that girl from last year! I mean, she started 2025 with the same vigor she has right now…. why set up a list of goals that hinge on where she fell short? When choosing your word, think of some straightforward wrap up notes on last year as you might with any other project. For example:
- ___________made me feel strong and empowered.
- ___________exhausted me.

-_________ is what I hoped for but couldn’t quite figure out how to achieve.

-__________ignited my passions.

-___________made me want to try harder.

Look to the future

Now think about what you want to achieve in the coming year. Your career aspirations, the parts of your community you want to help, the people in your personal network you’d like to nurture. Are there any fears you want to face? What about personal health goals? Are there any competencies you’d like to develop at work?

Identify a word that matches where you’ve been and where you’re going

Here is a list of words to get you started:

Curiosity
Purpose
Vitality
Renewal
Presence
Bloom
Stretch
Thrive
Serenity
Release
Open
Community
Focus
Simplicity
Delight
Wonder
Genuine
Flow

Imagine one of these words at work in a real scenario. Ask yourself if it would conjure up the right energy when talking to your child through a difficult homework problem or when speaking to your manager about a promotion. Is this word powerful enough to you to offer limitless guidance across all the categories of your life?

Make your word known- to yourself!

Say it to yourself while on a run, post it on your car dashboard, tape it to the wall or your desk, write it in the condensation on your bathroom mirror. Keep that word in the front of your mind until it’s emblazed in your essence. It will keep you both focused and flexible for a dynamic 2026!