From Intention to Action: Choosing Your Word for the Year

For the past six years, I’ve chosen a single word to serve as my personal theme or mantra - a guiding principle that helps me stay focused, grounded, and inspired. What started as a quiet personal ritual has evolved into a shared tradition among my family, friends, and clients. Together, we use this practice as a powerful tool for reflection, clarity, and growth.

Each December, I take time to pause, look back, and realign before stepping into the new year. Along with choosing my word, I select a small tangible reminder—sometimes, a bracelet, a key chain, or maybe a small desk token. This simple object serves as a visual cue, reconnecting me to my intention each day and keeping my focus anchored in what matters most.

The process of choosing your word can be intuitive or deeply reflective. I often revisit my past words, remembering the seasons of growth, challenge, and transformation they represented. Then, I ask myself: What do I most need to nurture my well-being in the coming year? What word will strengthen my mindset, energy, and self-compassion? These questions guide me toward the word that will help me embody the life and health I want to create.

If you’d like to try this practice, here’s a simple exercise I often use with my coaching clients: gather a stack of colorful sticky notes and set a timer for 15 minutes. Jot down one word per note—anything that feels meaningful or energizing—and place them on a wall to create your personal “word wall.” Step back and notice which words speak to you, then slowly refine your list until one single word rises to the top. That’s your word for 2026, your compass for both life and health.

Once you’ve chosen your word, find ways to integrate it into your daily routine. You might wear it as jewelry, keep it on a mirror or journal cover, or simply reflect on it during your meditation. The goal is consistency—allowing your word to guide small choices that add up overtime: nourishing meals, better sleep, mindful movement, or moments of rest and gratitude. When you stay connected to your word, you stay connected to your “why.”

When I work with clients, their chosen word often becomes a cornerstone of our sessions—a touchstone for motivation and accountability. It helps align actions with deeper values, making sustainable health changes feel more purposeful and rewarding. This simple practice transforms goals from tasks into expressions of self-alignment.

As 2025 ends and we step into 2026, I wish you a year of balance, growth, and peace. May your word remind you to invest in your well-being, embrace joy, and prioritize what truly serves your mind, body, and spirit. And if you’re ready to take your next step toward a healthier, more intentional life, I’d be honored to support you on that journey.

Remember today and every day, you matter and are worth it!  Until next time..