Traditional resolutions can feel rigid and unforgiving. Miss a day at the gym? Break the resolution. Forget your routine? Start over. What if, instead of a long list of expectations, you chose just one word to guide your year?
A theme word is a simple, meaningful word you intentionally choose to shape the way you think, act, and grow. It’s less about doing more and more about becoming more intentional.
Why Choose a Word Instead of Resolutions?
Author of The Happiness Project, Gretchen Rubin suggests that traditional new year resolutions are not effective for many people. In fact, it is common for people to abandon their resolutions by February. This year, instead of setting large and often un-attainable goals, instead, set your intentions for your year around a one-word theme.
A word like Create, Courage, Balance, or Joy can inspire and anchor you throughout the year. It evolves with you. It’s flexible. It adapts. It stays relevant even when life changes unexpectedly.
How to Choose Your Word
There’s no perfect way to do it, but here are a few suggestions to get you started:
Reflect on the past year
Ask yourself:
- What felt heavy?
- What brought you energy?
- What did you learn about yourself?
Patterns usually show up when you pause long enough to notice them.
Think about what you want more of
Do you crave peace? Adventure? Growth? Rest? Often, the right word captures the direction your heart is already leaning toward.
Try out a few words
Say them out loud. Picture them guiding everyday choices. Some words will feel nice. One word will feel right.
Keep it simple
One word is enough. Trust it.
Ways to Live Out Your Word
Your theme word works best when it stays visible and meaningful. You might:
- Write it in your journal or planner
- Set it as your phone wallpaper
- Create a vision board around it
- Check in monthly: How has this word shown up in my life?
Remember, this isn’t about perfection. It’s about direction. Your word doesn’t have to impress anyone. It doesn’t need to sound profound or poetic. What matters is that it speaks to you. And if, halfway through the year, a new word finds you? That’s okay, too. Growth rarely follows a straight line.
Learn More
Find more suggestions for designing your year, and join the ‘26 in ‘26 challenge on Gretchen’s website.
