I used to think the whole “word of the year” idea was a little cheesy. Another trendy exercise. Another thing we’d forget by February.
But after years of setting resolutions that looked good on paper and quietly fizzled out, I realized I didn’t need a bigger plan.
I needed a clearer lens.
Just one word.
Choosing a word for the year isn’t about perfection or rigid goals. It’s more like setting your internal compass — something to come back to when life gets loud, busy, or overwhelming.
For 2026, my word is Discernment.
Not because I want to do less for the sake of it — but because I want to choose better.
What Discernment Means to Me
Discernment is about knowing the difference between what’s good and what’s right for you.
At this stage of life, the challenge usually isn’t a lack of options. It’s too many. Too many ideas, invitations, purchases, commitments, and paths that all look reasonable — but don’t all deserve your energy.
Discernment helps me pause and ask:
- Does this deserve my time?
- Is this aligned with the life I’m building?
- Am I choosing this out of intention — or obligation?
For me, Discernment shows up as:
- Choosing depth over noise. Fewer commitments, deeper presence.
- Spending with intention. Less impulse, more purpose.
- Protecting energy. Not every idea needs execution. Not every invitation needs a yes.
- Trusting my judgment. Letting go of second-guessing and honoring what I already know.
It’s a quieter word — but a powerful one.
How to Find Your Word for 2026
If you’ve never chosen a word before (or if you’ve tried and abandoned it), here’s the good news: this isn’t something you need to overthink.
Try this instead:
1. Look Back Gently
What felt nourishing this past year?
What felt draining?
Where did you feel most like yourself — and least?
2. Look Ahead Honestly
What do you want more of?
What do you want less of?
What quality would support the version of you you’re becoming?
3. Listen for the Quiet Pull
Your word doesn’t need to sound impressive. It needs to feel true.
Often, the right word lands with a sense of recognition — almost like it chose you.
Words like:
- Discernment
- Steady
- Clarity
- Ease
- Courage
- Enough
There’s no wrong answer — only the one that fits your season.
Making Your Word Work for You
A word isn’t meant to be another thing on your to-do list. It’s meant to support you, not pressure you.
A few simple ways to keep it alive:
- Write it somewhere visible — your phone wallpaper, journal, or desk.
- Use it as a filter: Does this support my word or pull me away from it?
- Say it out loud. Let it guide small, everyday choices — not just big ones.
Your word doesn’t need to be loud to be effective.
It just needs to be present.
An Invitation
If everything feels equally important right now, choosing a word can help you sort the signal from the noise.
My word for 2026 is Discernment — choosing what earns my yes.
What’s yours?
If a word is already tugging at you, pay attention.
And if you’re still unsure, that’s okay too — sometimes clarity comes from simply being open to it.
Here’s to a year guided not by pressure or perfection,
but by intention, trust, and a quieter kind of abundance.
What word is calling to you for 2026?