What’s Your Word for the Year?

Every year I pick a theme word to describe what I want to accomplish in the next 365 days.  One year it was the simple, upbeat word “Happiness”.  Another year it was “Strength”, and mind you I really pulled for that word to get me through. Could something as simple as a word help you to focus on your goals and possibly transform your life?

The History of “Picking Your Word for the Year”

As the new year rolls around, many of us make resolutions to improve ourselves, our careers, or our relationships. However, over the years, a new tradition has emerged that is taking over the resolution space: picking a “word of the year.” This practice has gained significant momentum in recent years, offering a more focused and intentional approach to personal growth. But where did it come from, and how can it truly impact our lives?

What Is the “Word of the Year”?

Before we dive into its history, let’s take a moment to define what we mean by the “word of the year.” Simply put, it’s a single word that you choose to guide, inspire, and focus your intentions for the upcoming year. Unlike resolutions, which can be specific and measurable, the word of the year is more of a mindset or theme you carry with you as you go through life’s ups and downs. For example, someone might choose the word “balance” to focus on better managing their work-life balance, or “growth” to remind them to stay open to new opportunities and challenges.

The Origins of the “Word of the Year” Tradition

While it’s difficult to pinpoint an exact date or person who started the “word of the year” trend, its roots are believed to be in the early 2000s. The idea grew from the practice of using a word or phrase as a form of intention-setting, popularized by various self-help and personal development gurus. The word “word” is believed to have been inspired by the New Year’s resolution tradition, but it is intended to be a more flexible and less rigid alternative.

In 2006, the concept of choosing a word to define the year took a more formal shape when Merriam-Webster Dictionary announced its first “Word of the Year.” It was “truth,” chosen for its relevance in the media and societal issues at the time. This sparked the idea that perhaps we could each pick our own personal word to set the tone for our year ahead.

However, it wasn’t until the mid-2010s that the practice began to take hold in mainstream culture, thanks to bloggers, life coaches, and social media influencers sharing their personal word choices. It became a popular trend for people to reflect on their past year, identify what they wanted to focus on or improve, and then choose a single word to carry with them throughout the next 365 days.

Why Should You Pick a Word of the Year?

You might be wondering, why should I choose just one word? The beauty of the word of the year lies in its simplicity and its ability to keep you aligned with your goals and values. Unlike a lengthy list of resolutions, the word is a constant reminder of your core intentions and can be incorporated into all areas of life, from personal relationships to career ambitions.

Here are just a few reasons why choosing a word for the year can be transformative:

1. Simplicity: By focusing on just one word, you avoid the overwhelm that comes with trying to achieve multiple resolutions. It’s a manageable and tangible goal.
2. Alignment: Having a guiding word helps you stay aligned with your deeper desires, values, and priorities, allowing you to make decisions that match your true intentions.
3. Focus: A word can serve as a powerful focal point, helping you block out distractions and stay on track with what really matters.
4. Motivation: As you encounter challenges throughout the year, your word can remind you of your bigger picture, giving you motivation to continue pushing forward.

Popular Words People Choose

While everyone’s journey is unique, there are some common words that people choose when selecting their word for the year. These include:

• Courage: For those looking to step out of their comfort zone and take risks.
• Gratitude: To focus on appreciating the small moments and practicing thankfulness.
• Abundance: To attract more wealth, love, and opportunity into your life.
• Mindfulness: For those seeking to be present and reduce stress in their daily lives.
• Strength: A great choice for overcoming challenges or pushing through difficult times.

How to Choose Your Word for the Year

Choosing your word is a deeply personal process. Some people do it through reflection, asking themselves questions like:

• What do I need more of in my life right now?
• What do I want to achieve in the next year?
• What values or qualities do I want to focus on?

Others may find that their word comes to them intuitively through journaling, meditation, or simply by paying attention to signs that appear in their life.

Incorporating Your Word Into Your Year

Once you’ve picked your word, the key is to integrate it into your daily life. Here are a few ideas for how to do that:

1. Display it: Write your word on a sticky note or create a vision board with your word front and center.
2. Use it in affirmation: Start each day by saying, “I am [your word].”
3. Reflect on it: At the end of the week or month, reflect on how your word has influenced your actions and decisions.

Final Thoughts

The practice of picking a word for the year is more than just a passing trend—it’s a meaningful and empowering way to approach the year ahead. By focusing on a single word, you can create clarity, set intentions, and shift your mindset to make the upcoming year your best one yet. So, as we head into the new year, why not take a moment to reflect and choose your word? It just might be the guiding light you need to make 2024 your year of growth, transformation, and fulfillment.

Have you picked your word for the year? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!