What’s Your Word for the Year?

Imagine this: You’re staring down January 1st like a blank page in a journal. It’s pristine, full of potential, and just a little intimidating. Instead of the usual resolutions (which, let’s be honest, often unravel by February), you decide to do something radical: you choose a word. One word. A single concept to explore, embody, and wrestle with all year. A word that asks, What does this mean to you, really?

That’s how I started my journey of word adoption eight years ago. Like naming a child or a pet goldfish, it felt both profound and a little ridiculous. My inaugural word? Authenticity. It sounded noble, but truthfully, I just wanted an excuse to skip awkward social gatherings.

Then came Magic—because who doesn’t want more sparkle? Spoiler: learning to see magic in spreadsheets is harder than expected. After that, Promise swept in, and I learned how heavy keeping promises can be (including those made to myself). By the time I hit Effortless, I was ready for a break—fitting, right?

Each word brought new lessons. Simplicity taught me how to Marie Kondo my mental clutter. Elegance had me considering if wearing sweatpants to Zoom meetings aligned with my newfound ideals (verdict: debatable). Curiosity rekindled my inner child, asking “why” about everything. And this year, Focus has me learning that multitasking isn’t a superpower; it’s a myth designed to distract us from the important stuff.

Choosing a word has become more than a quirky tradition—it’s a compass, steering me through the year with intention. It’s a reminder that personal growth doesn’t need to be complicated. It just needs to be deliberate.

So, here’s my challenge to you: pick a word. Any word. Let it marinate in your mind for a year. Let it nudge you, challenge you, and even surprise you. You might just find it shaping your life in unexpected ways. And hey, if nothing else, you’ll have a great conversation starter for the next awkward social gathering you attend. (You’re welcome.)