What’s Your Word of the Year?
Instead of making resolutions, what if you chose a single word to guide you through the year? This “word of the year” or WOTY isn’t a goal; it’s a theme, an intention, or a touchstone that helps you stay aligned with your values and priorities.
Choosing a word of the year can bring clarity and intentionality to your life. It serves as a constant reminder, helping you stay focused on what truly matters.
Need some inspiration? Let’s explore some words of the year ideas to spark your own journey of self-discovery.
What is a Word of the Year?
Choosing a “Word of the Year,” or WOTY, is a way to focus your energy. It’s a motivational tool to help you achieve your goals by providing a theme for the year. Think of it as a guiding principle.
Unlike a New Year’s resolution, which is often a specific goal (“lose 15 pounds,” “read 50 books”), a WOTY is more about a feeling or intention. It’s a compass, not a map.
Many people involved in the “One Little Word” project like to document their WOTY experience through the year in scrapbooks or journals.
How to choose your word of the year
Choosing a word of the year can be a fun and rewarding exercise. Here’s how to pick the perfect word for you:
Reflection and self-assessment
Start by taking some time to reflect on the year that’s ending. What challenges did you face? What were your triumphs? What did you learn? Then, think about what you want to achieve in the coming year. What are your goals, and what areas do you want to focus on?
Brainstorming and selection
Jot down words that represent the themes and values that are important to you. Choose a single word that really encompasses your intentions for the year. Pick a word that resonates with you and that you feel will help guide you toward your aspirations.
Some people find it helpful to use a journal or workbook to aid in the selection process. A bullet journal can be a great tool for recording your goals and tasks throughout the year.
Flexibility and adaptation
Don’t be afraid to adapt your word if it doesn’t feel quite right. You can also consider choosing a word of the month or a word of the quarter rather than committing to a whole year.
Word of the Year Ideas: A Comprehensive List
If you’re stuck for ideas, consider breaking potential words down into categories, such as:
- Growth-oriented words like “Expand,” “Learn,” or “Evolve”
- Action-oriented words like “Create,” “Build,” or “Launch”
- Wellbeing-oriented words like “Balance,” “Peace,” or “Health”
- Relationship-oriented words like “Connect,” “Nurture,” or “Listen”
To get you started, here’s a word bank of possibilities, grouped by theme:
- Abundance
- Accept
- Achieve
- Adventure
- Authenticity
- Aware
- Begin
- Believe
- Bloom
- Brave
- Calm
- Center
- Clarity
- Commit
- Community
- Confidence
- Courage
- Create
- Curiosity
- Dedicate
- Delight
- Discipline
- Discover
- Ease
- Embrace
- Empower
- Energy
- Enough
- Explore
- Faith
- Focus
- Freedom
- Gratitude
- Growth
- Harmony
- Heal
- Hope
- Inspire
- Joy
- Kindness
- Learn
- Light
- Listen
- Love
- Manifest
- Mindfulness
- Nourish
- Open
- Patience
- Peace
- Play
- Presence
- Purpose
- Radiate
- Receive
- Reflect
- Release
- Resilience
- Simplify
- Strength
- Surrender
- Thrive
- Trust
- Unwind
- Value
- Vision
- Wonder
- Yield
- Zeal
How to use your word of the year
Once you’ve picked a word, it’s time to put it to work for you. Here are some tips:
- Put your word where you can see it. This will help you stay focused and motivated throughout the year.
- Incorporate your word into your daily life. Use it as a reminder when you’re making decisions. For example, if your word is “courage,” ask yourself, “What would a courageous person do in this situation?” You can also weave it into journaling and meditation.
- Check in with yourself regularly. Schedule time to review your progress and adjust your habits. At the end of the year, take some time to reflect on what you’ve accomplished and what you can improve on in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some words for the year?
Tons of words could work! Think about what you want to achieve. Some popular choices include “focus,” “growth,” “resilience,” “adventure,” “kindness,” “health,” “balance,” “courage,” and “simplicity.” The best word is one that resonates with your goals and aspirations for the coming year.
How do I choose my word of the year?
Reflect on the past year. What went well? What could have been better? What do you want to prioritize in the coming year? Consider your goals and values. Brainstorm a list of words that capture your intentions. Then, choose the one that feels most compelling and inspiring to you. Don’t overthink it!
What is a positive word for the year?
While “positive” is subjective, many people choose words that evoke optimism and growth. Examples include “joy,” “gratitude,” “abundance,” “peace,” “hope,” “create,” “inspire,” and “connect.” Ultimately, a positive word is one that motivates and uplifts you.
What to do with a word of the year?
Don’t just pick a word and forget about it! Make it visible. Write it down, create a vision board, or set reminders on your phone. Use it as a guiding principle when making decisions. Ask yourself, “Does this align with my word for the year?” Reflect on your word regularly and track your progress throughout the year. The key is to integrate it into your daily life.
The Bottom Line
Choosing a word of the year can be a powerful tool for personal growth. Once you’ve picked your word, embrace it fully and let it guide your decisions and actions throughout the year.
Remember to regularly reflect on how your word is influencing your life and be willing to adjust your course as needed. The most important thing is to be intentional and mindful as you work towards becoming the best version of yourself.