Choosing a Word of the Year is a fairly new concept, to me, but it’s one that can be incredibly powerful. Unlike traditional goal setting, a word gives your year a theme—a guiding focus that influences your mindset, decisions, and energy.
Rather than striving to accomplish a long list of resolutions, a single word helps anchor you in intention.
Why a Word of the Year Works
Last year, my Word of the Year was Opportunities. At the time, I didn’t fully understand how that word would shape my year—but I stayed open to it.
And opportunities showed up.
I was able to expand my transaction coordinator business. Partnerships and expanded services came later in the year. Even in my full-time career, new opportunities presented themselves. The word didn’t force change—it created awareness. I began noticing opportunities because I was open to receiving them.
That’s the power of a Word of the Year.
A Word Is Not a Goal—It’s a Guide
A Word of the Year isn’t about pressure or perfection. It’s about alignment.
Your word becomes:
- A filter for decision-making
- A reminder during challenging moments
- A grounding force when life feels busy or overwhelming
When you feel stuck, you can ask:
Does this align with my word?
How to Choose Your Word of the Year
Choosing your word doesn’t have to be complicated. It should feel intentional, meaningful, and slightly challenging.
Here are a few steps to guide you:
Reflect on the Previous Year
Before choosing a word for the future, reflect on the past.
- What worked?
- What felt heavy?
- What lessons did you learn?
- What do you want more of?
Often, your word will naturally emerge from reflection.
Identify What You Want to Strengthen or Improve
Your word should represent an area of growth, not something you’ve already mastered.
This year, my focus is on financial health. I want to reduce debt, build wealth, and create long-term stability. The word I chose is Wealth.
Wealth in finances, yes—but also wealth in time, relationships, peace, and overall well-being. By focusing on financial responsibility and abundance, I truly believe it will positively impact other areas of my life as well.
Choose a Word That Feels Expansive
The right word should:
- Feel aligned with your values
- Stretch you without overwhelming you
- Apply to multiple areas of your life
Words like growth, clarity, peace, discipline, abundance, consistency, or wealth allow flexibility while still providing focus.
How Your Word Guides You Throughout the Year
Once chosen, your word becomes something you revisit often.
You might:
- Write it in your planner
- Use it as your phone wallpaper
- Journal about it monthly
- Check in when making decisions
Your word doesn’t demand results—it invites awareness. Over time, that awareness creates intentional change.
Final Thoughts
A Word of the Year isn’t about control—it’s about intention.
When you choose a word with purpose and remain open to how it unfolds, you allow growth to happen naturally. You don’t need to know exactly how it will show up—just be willing to align with it.
One word. One year. Powerful impact.