Choose Your Word of the Year for 2026
by Kristina Karlsson
There’s a reason I come back to this practice every single year: choosing one word.
It’s simple, but it’s powerful - because it gives you a direction that feels calm, clear, and personal - as i explained in this recent podcast ep.
When life gets busy (and it will), a word becomes an anchor. It brings you back to what matters.
It becomes the lens you use to plan, prioritise, and decide what you’re saying yes to - and what you’re intentionally saying 'no' to.
Why a word of the year works
A word is not about perfection. It’s not about impressing anyone. It’s about choosing something that feels true for you - and letting it guide your year in a gentle, steady way.
Think of your word as your filter. When an opportunity, commitment, or distraction shows up, your word helps you ask:
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“Does this support the life I want to live?”
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“Does this move me toward what matters most?”
And when you pair your word with intentional planning, something shifts.
Your dreams start to feel less like wishes… and more like a real plan.
The best part: your word can be anything
Some words feel expansive - like expand or create. Others feel grounding - like calm or presence.
Sometimes your word is exactly what you need more of: health, joy, consistency, simplify, focus.
The only “rule” is this: your word doesn’t have to be trendy. It just has to feel right.
How to choose your word for 2026
This is where I always begin - with writing. There’s something so important about writing things down.
It helps the intangible become clear and real. And the moment you write your dreams down, they begin to take shape.
Follow these steps and download our free guide here...
Step 1: Ask yourself what you want more of
Write the question at the top of a page:
What do I want more of in my life in 2026?
Energy? Confidence? Peace? Focus? Fun?
Step 2: Ask what you want less of
Next:
What do I want less of?
Overwhelm? Doubt? Clutter? Frenzy?
Step 3: Choose how you want to feel
Then:
How do I want to feel as I move through my days?
Light? Strong? Brave? Connected? Mindful?
Step 4: Name one meaningful dream or intention
Finally:
What is one dream or intention that feels meaningful right now?
Let it all spill onto the page. No judgement. Just honesty.
And then read back what you’ve written and notice what keeps repeating - a theme, a feeling, a need.
Often your word rises up quietly, like it was waiting for you.
Five key insights from this practice
1) Your word becomes your anchor when life gets “full”
Life will get busy. There will be obstacles. A word helps you stay steady through it all.
2) Your word becomes a decision-making partner
When you use your word as a filter, decision fatigue gets lighter. Your priorities get clearer.
3) Pen to paper creates momentum
Dreams and goals happen one step at a time - but only when you take the time to get them on paper and create a clear plan.
4) Intention + a simple plan is life-changing
Intention is beautiful… but when you pair it with a simple plan, you start making real progress.
5) You don’t need to do it alone
Support and accountability are powerful - and when you plan with structure and community, transformation happens.
A gentle invitation: Plan Your 2026 with me
If you’re reading this and thinking, “I want 2026 to feel aligned, intentional, and exciting,”
I would love to invite you into the Dream Life Coaching Program in January.
Together, we choose your word, get clear on your top three dreams, put the important things in the calendar, and break everything down into inspiring, practical steps - so you have a plan you can actually follow.
If that tiny spark is there, come and join us here
And if you just want a simple place to start today, choose your word, write it down, and let it guide you - one beautiful step at a time.
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