My word of the year 2026

Every January, I set a word for the year ahead. It's the distillation of my goals and values, my north star for every decision I make.

This year's word is: Intentional.

I want every part of my life to feel intentional, not just my work, but my time at home, my relationships, and my hobbies too. If 2025 taught me one thing, it's that life is short. I don't want things to just happen to me. I want my choices to be considered. Deliberate. Meaningful.

It doesn't mean I'm not going to relax. Far from it. I want to enjoy relaxation, not disappear into an endless scroll. And when I'm ready to face the world, I want to do so on my terms. I'll choose what news to consume, where and when to read it, rather than have a random app hurl headlines at me. I don't want snippets. I want depth. I don't want rage. I want discussion.

When it comes to my work, I want more agency. I want to choose the jobs I take on, guided by a plan — but not productivity for productivity’s sake. No more busywork. Simple systems that support rather than obstruct. Plans that deliver, not punish.

And when I'm with family and friends, I want to actually be with them. Listening to what they're saying, not checking my phone or waiting for a gap in the conversation, so I jump in with something else. I want to hear what they're saying.

Guiding the way

My word will act as a quiet checkpoint – a prompt to ask questions every time I face a decision.

Am I just going with the flow?

Am I defaulting to the way things have always been?

It will help me reframe opportunities, pausing before I leap in with both feet. It will remind me to slow down, to be present and ask myself why I'm doing things.

It will cut through the noise.

That's the main power of a word of the year. It brings focus amid distraction, becoming a personal compass, helping navigate the road ahead.

It's also a darn sight more positive than a list of rigid resolutions, the kind that usually have you beating yourself up when you don't get them right!

A word of the year isn’t a rulebook. It’s a reminder of what's important to you. A mission statement for the year ahead.

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR OWN WORD OF THE YEAR

1. Look back at the last 12 months: Think about how you felt for most of the year. Was it a good feeling... or a bad? If it was positive, ask how you can build on it. If it wasn’t, think about how you’d like to feel moving forward.
2. Brainstorm: Grab a piece of paper and write down any words that come to mind — how you want to feel, what you want more (or less) of, what you’re working towards. Don’t filter. Just let the words flow.
3. Look for themes: Are there words that keep cropping up, or ideas that seem closely linked?
4. Use a thesaurus: If your words are close but not quite right, explore synonyms until you find something that really resonates.
5. Find a list of words online: There are plenty of word lists out there if you need a nudge. Fun Happy Home offers a great starting point, with over 250 words to choose from!
6. Test it out: You don’t have to commit straight away. Try a word on for size and see if it helps you make clearer decisions. If it doesn’t, choose another. You’ll know when one fits.

HOW TO USE YOUR WORD OF THE YEAR

1. Keep it in sight. Print it out. Stick it on your monitor. Write it at the front of your journal. Pin it to a noticeboard. I have this small photo on my desk as a gentle reminder — but a sticky note works just as well.
2. Create a short list of questions linked to your word and use them to sense-check decisions as they come up.
3. Look for small ways to align your days with your word. Don’t think too far ahead. Focus on this month. This week. Today.
4. Set a reminder to check in with your word. Three months is always a good time. Is your word still resonating? Is it helping you make choices more deliberately?
5. At the end of the year, look back. How did your decisions align with your word? Where did it help? Where did it get in the way? Use what you learn to shape next year’s word — and keep the process going.

I’d love to know whether you already choose a word of the year, or whether this has tempted you to try it for the first time. You can reply to this email or leave a comment. And if you feel comfortable sharing, I’d be really interested to hear which word you’ve chosen for 2026.

Until next time, look after yourself and each other!