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As the brand new 12 months approaches, many individuals really feel the acquainted pull to set objectives or create resolutions. However whereas resolutions are common, analysis reveals that for many individuals, they’re not notably efficient. There’s a less complicated, extra versatile (and extra enjoyable) method I like to make use of as I contemplate how I wish to form the 12 months to come back: the one-word theme.What’s a one-word theme?A one-word theme is simply what it seems like: a single phrase or brief phrase that serves as a tenet for the 12 months. It’s an idea that may assist information your selections and spot alternatives.Not like conventional resolutions, a theme is imaginative and adaptable. It’s about route, fairly than success or failure. Why select a one-word theme?A one-word theme is brief and easy sufficient to stay in our minds, even on busy days, but wealthy sufficient to use to work, relationships, well being, and creativity. As an illustration, a theme like “Open” would possibly remind you to remain receptive to new experiences, preserve an open thoughts in conversations, or actually open your own home to others extra usually.The suitable phrase may even reveal new meanings because the 12 months progresses. My one-word theme for 2026This 12 months, I selected the phrase “Neighbor.” I wish to draw nearer to the individuals round me–within the blocks round my residence, in my metropolis, and in my nation. I wish to put out a welcome mat; I wish to lend a cup of sugar to somebody who wants it; I wish to interact extra warmly with the individuals round me; I wish to attain out throughout variations with neighborly heat.Suggestions for selecting your wordGood concepts can come from wherever. For me, it felt just like the phrase “Neighbor” abruptly jumped out at me–so throughout my current overview of earlier years’ “Design Your 12 months” supplies, I used to be startled to understand that I’d added “Neighbor” as a second theme in 2024. Clearly, this goal has been on my thoughts for a very long time.Just a few questions you would possibly ask your self:What labored effectively this previous 12 months?What didn’t serve you?What ideas make you’re feeling energized and pleased?What would you like extra of–or much less of–subsequent 12 months?How might you make an summary goal extra concrete?How might you make a boring goal extra attention-grabbing?As an illustration, my sister Elizabeth needed to work on resilience and flexibility. Boring phrases! She selected the phrase “Bounce,” which captured these concepts in an energizing, constructive, virtually goofy manner. Way more playful.When you’ve chosen your phrase, have some enjoyable with it. You would possibly write it on a card and pin it up by your desk or set it as your cellphone background.It will also be useful to decide on a visible image to symbolize your one-word theme. For “Neighbor,” I’ve chosen a welcome mat as my image. For “Bounce,” Elizabeth selected a kangaroo. After you have your image, you’ll be able to search for a mug, t-shirt, jewellery, or different merchandise to remind you of your theme. Preserving your phrase seen (as a phrase or in an emblem) helps to maintain your uppermost in your thoughts as you progress via the 12 months.On the lookout for extra methods to be happier in 2026? Discover all of my instruments for designing your 12 months.
