As the brand new yr approaches, many individuals really feel the acquainted pull to set targets or create resolutions. However whereas resolutions are widespread, analysis exhibits that for many individuals, they’re not significantly efficient.
There’s a less complicated, extra versatile (and extra enjoyable) strategy I like to make use of as I think about how I wish to form the yr to come back: the one-word theme.
What’s a one-word theme?
A one-word theme is simply what it appears like: a single phrase or quick phrase that serves as a tenet for the yr. It’s an idea that can assist information your selections and see alternatives.
Not like conventional resolutions, a theme is imaginative and adaptable. It’s about course, somewhat than success or failure.
Why select a one-word theme?
A one-word theme is brief and easy sufficient to stay in our minds, even on busy days, but wealthy sufficient to use to work, relationships, well being, and creativity. As an example, a theme like “Open” would possibly remind you to remain receptive to new experiences, hold an open thoughts in conversations, or actually open your house to others extra usually.
The suitable phrase may even reveal new meanings because the yr progresses.
My one-word theme for 2026
This yr, I selected the phrase “Neighbor.” I wish to draw nearer to the folks round me–within the blocks round my residence, in my metropolis, and in my nation. I wish to put out a welcome mat; I wish to lend a cup of sugar to somebody who wants it; I wish to have interaction extra warmly with the folks round me; I wish to attain out throughout variations with neighborly heat.
Suggestions for selecting your phrase
Good concepts can come from anyplace. For me, it felt just like the phrase “Neighbor” all of the sudden jumped out at me–so throughout my current evaluate of earlier years’ “Design Your 12 months” supplies, I used to be startled to understand that I’d added “Neighbor” as a second theme in 2024. Clearly, this goal has been on my thoughts for a very long time.
A number of questions you would possibly ask your self:
- What labored effectively this previous yr?
- What didn’t serve you?
- What ideas make you are feeling energized and glad?
- What would you like extra of–or much less of–subsequent yr?
- How may you make an summary goal extra concrete?
- How may you make a boring goal extra fascinating?
As an example, my sister Elizabeth needed to work on resilience and flexibility. Boring phrases! She selected the phrase “Bounce,” which captured these concepts in an energizing, constructive, nearly goofy approach. Rather more playful.
When you’ve chosen your phrase, have some enjoyable with it. You would possibly write it on a card and pin it up by your desk or set it as your cellphone background.
It can be useful to decide on a visible image to signify your one-word theme. For “Neighbor,” I’ve chosen a welcome mat as my image. For “Bounce,” Elizabeth selected a kangaroo. After getting your image, you’ll be able to search for a mug, t-shirt, jewellery, or different merchandise to remind you of your theme. Preserving your phrase seen (as a phrase or in an emblem) helps to maintain your uppermost in your thoughts as you progress by way of the yr.
Searching for extra methods to be happier in 2026? Discover all of my instruments for designing your yr.
