It’s a brand-new year and I thought I’d start 2026 with basically the same simple tip I’ve used as the first post of the new year several times now. Pick a word for the year!

January always feels like a clean slate, the perfect moment to pause and reflect before stepping into the rest of the year. It’s less about rigid resolutions and more about creating an anchor I can return to whenever I need clarity throughout the year. It is my guiding star, shaping how I approach each day, decision, and challenge.

If you were following me from the beginning of 2024, you may remember my “One Word” post on January 9, 2024.

Having a Word Of The Year (WOTY) is a great way to encapsulate the essence of your intentions, goals, and aspirations for the year ahead, or any other life event for that matter. Your WOTY represents what you want to achieve, the experiences you’d like to have, and the changes you’re determined to make.

Sometimes it’s hard to imagine how much impact a single word can have in our lives.

Another Word

I don’t know about you but I love the idea of choosing a WOTY vs. making a New Year’s Resolution because it helps bring intention, focus, and clarity to what I want to create in my life.

You may or may not have guessed that my word for this year is RESPONSIBLE. I have chosen the word responsible because this year I want to change how I let the outside world affect ME. I am the only one responsible for giving me the life I want. It is only when I take responsibility for my life that I can discover how powerful I truly am.

Note: I created the layout above based on my WOTY. You can find the details about this layout in my 2026 Gallery.

I won’t just think about this word…I will live it. I need to start taking more responsibility for my current mindset and actively work on it through practices like mindfulness and gratitude. Cultivate new habits by setting small, achievable goals, focusing on positive self-talk, and surrounding myself with supportive people to help build momentum and sustain the changes. I won’t just think about responsibility, I will be responsible.

Over the last two years I’ve given you multiple tips on picking a WOTY. It seems kind of silly to just keep repeating those prior tips. You can refer back to either my 2024 One Word post or the 2025 One Word Post.

This idea may seem conceptual but it’s really a reflection of the energy you want to bring into your life, the mindset you wish to cultivate and the journey you’re striving for.

Your choice of word should inspire, motivate, keep you intentional and help you move forward no matter where life takes you.

Simple Advice

This year I’m going to offer this: To pick a 2026 word of the year, use the following two quotes to help guide your choice:

“Do one thing every day that scares you.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” -Unknown

You have the freedom to interpret those quotes in a way that aligns with your goals, values, and vision for the year ahead.

Let the quotes lead you to a word that resonates and represents what you want to accomplish. The meaning you give it is what makes it powerful, shaping your actions, decisions, and mindset as you move through the months ahead; becoming your personal guide for the year.

New Word Challenge

Once you’ve picked your word. I have a little challenge for you. Create a layout, a phone lock screen image, or even a Facebook cover image using your word. Feel free to use my Responsible layout (above) as inspiration.

When you’ve finished picking your word, I’d LOVE to know what your WOTY is and why you chose it. Leave it and/or your layout or other image here in the comments section to share it with our community. “Sharing” it into the Metaverse is a beautiful way to get things flowing.

You never know…your word may inspire someone else!

Final Thoughts

I truly believe that choosing a WOTY can be one of the most powerful things I can do for myself each year. Honestly speaking, I think I’d be lost without my word. There have been more than a few times when my word has kept me grounded.

Use your word as a mantra or affirmation. Keep it as your guiding light anytime you feel lost throughout the year.

Once you’ve picked a WOTY, set it as your phone’s lock screen. Write it on the bathroom mirror (in dry-erase marker). Frame it for your desk or your nightstand. Keep it in the forefront of your mind and use it to set smaller monthly goals throughout the year. Choosing a word for an entire year can allow you to create space for life to be, well, LIFE!

Over the years, my WOTY has been instrumental for me. I dared to bravely try new things. I’ve gained a better appreciation of what’s really important. I started respecting myself more because of my WOTY…the list goes on and on!

Thanks for reading this week’s approach to the New Year. Remember, if you have any suggestions or questions please don’t hesitate to “Message Me“. Join me next week as I get back to presenting creative tips! Click “Follow Me” to stay in touch. I hope you have a wonderful week and a glorious new year!