How To Choose Your Word Of The Year (And Actually Live By It)

January arrives with a strange mixture of energy and exhaustion. We’re coming out of the holiday rush, yes—but we’re also buoyed by the promise of a reset. There is something clear about the turning of the calendar, a sense that this could be the time when things click into place. Especially if you’ve been part of a good “signing in” this fall, you’re probably already thinking about your goals, your routines, and the kind of year you want to create. January doesn’t feel like a beginning—it feels like a continuation.

Featured image from our interview with Aileen Fitzgerald by Michelle Nash.

How To Choose Your Word Of The Year (And Actually Live By It)

Even with that momentum, it’s easy to feel pulled in many places at once. Big goals, fragmented strategies, and the pressure to do it all—and to do it well—can quickly cloud what seemed obvious a few weeks ago. This is where choosing a name of the year can be very helpful. Instead of adding more goals, it provides focus: one word that helps you decide what to say yes to, what to let go of, and how to end your year with more purpose.

This year, my word is clarityand I experience it differently—not as a one-time ritual, but as an anchor to return to throughout the year. Ahead, I’ll show you how to choose your word of the year, and how to live by it as the year progresses.

What is the name of the year?

This will be the one word you choose that guides how you want to live, feel, and make decisions for the next 12 months. Rather than focusing on what you want to achieve, focus on how you want to live your life—your goals, routines, relationships, and daily choices.

What do I like most about choosing the name of the year? Its flexibility. Decisions are often hard and consequence driven, making it easy to abandon them when life gets in the way. A word is something you return to, not something you’ve finished. It provides guidance without seeking perfection.

Think of your name as a lens, not a to-do list. You’re not testing it—you’re letting it shape how you see the year as it progresses.

As a result, the name of the year supports the setting of the objective without adding pressure. It gives you a clear point of reference when deciding what to prioritize, what to simplify, and where to focus your energy—without turning into another burden.

Get started

Start by writing down three words that you are attracted to right now. Don’t overthink it! These could be words you’ve been noticing lately, qualities you desire, or themes that feel appropriate for this season of your life.

Next, give yourself a day or two to hang out with them. Keep the list somewhere visible—your notes app, your desk, or in a journal—and notice how each word sounds as you go through your process.

Finally, notice which word keeps coming back. The right thing often does—shaping the way you think, what you see, or the way you make small decisions. That’s usually your sign.

Questions to Help You Reflect

Feeling torn between a few words? Or maybe you’re not sure where to start. A little meditation can help bring clarity. These questions are not meant to be answered all at once. Think of them as reminders that you can refer back to on your commute, in your journal, or at the end of the day.

• What do I want more of in my daily life this year?
• Where do I feel stressed or stretched thin?
• What feels missing right now?
• What quality helped me face challenges calmly?
• Which word sounds basic-not wanted?

As you ponder, notice which words feel supportive rather than wishful thinking. You don’t want something that sounds impressive. You want to find a name that meets you where you are and helps you move forward with a road map you can always come back to.

What if nothing comes up?

That’s right! You don’t need to force this. If you haven’t connected with the name yet, allow yourself to pause. Sometimes clarity comes from noticing patterns rather than making snap decisions. Pay attention to what attracts you over the next few weeks: what you read, what you desire, and what feels heavy or light in your daily routine.

And there’s nothing wrong with choosing a pronoun—something as simple as to be free or focus– and visit it later. The name of the year is not fixed on January 1. It is something you can come back to and refine as the year goes on.

How Your Word Lives Every Day

Choosing a name is just the beginning. The important thing is to get back to it—not to follow it completely. Living your word doesn’t require new routines or daily rituals. It works best when it’s simple and flexible.

Use your name as a filter. When deciding how to spend your time, what to commit to, or what to give up, ask: Does this support my voice, or take me away from it? Even an occasional check-in can bring clarity.

To keep your name alive after January, try a short monthly reset:

• How has my voice been seen this month?
• Where did I lose?
• What small shift can I make next month?

Examples of Powerful Words of the Year

Remember: there’s no one right choice—only what you feel best supports the season you’re in.

• Clarity: making decisions easier, taking responsibility, and sounding the mind so you can focus on what’s really important
• Relief: reducing conflict in daily routines and choosing what feels strong over what feels forced
• Attendance: focus on what’s ahead of you rather than what’s next
• Courage: to take action even if it feels uncomfortable or uncertain
• Trust: letting go of excessive control and letting things happen with more confidence
• Expansion: creating room for growth, new opportunities, and broader perspectives

If one of these words evokes a sense of relief or recognition, listen. That’s usually a sign that you’re on the right track.

The Takeaway

Having a word of the year gives you something to fall back on when life feels busy, noisy, or off track. The real value comes from revisiting your word often, using it to reset, refocus, and make small changes along the way. Choose a name that supports the way you want to live this year, not who you think you should be. That’s where it comes in handy—and where it usually stays.