The start of a new year has a funny reputation. It’s supposed to be a reset button. A fresh start. A new era. A moment where you suddenly become more motivated, more organized, more disciplined, and more confident—just because the calendar changed.
But most of us know the truth, and the science backs this up, life doesn’t magically reboot because we turned a new page on our calendar.
School still feels busy. Expectations don’t disappear. Motivation comes and goes. Some days you’re locked in and other days you’re just trying to get through.
That’s why this year, instead of talking about resolutions, I want to introduce (or reintroduce) a simpler idea, one that students (and adults alike) can actually live with.
The idea is called #OneWord, and I’ve been writing about it for over ten years now.
Why not resolutions?
Resolutions usually sound like this:
- I will work harder… in class/the gym/on my passions.
- I will stop procrastinating… with homework/tidying my room/applying for a summer job.
- I will be more motivated… with, I guess, everything.
They’re intense. All-or-nothing. And when you mess up (which everyone does), they tend to disappear quietly by February. A resolution feels like an inflexible rule, and that’s why I prefer choosing a word, which feels more like a direction, a gentle nudge towards becoming the person we want to be.
What is #OneWord?
Instead of setting a long list of goals, you choose one word to guide your year. Not a word that pressures you and not a word that demands perfection. You choose a word that helps you ask better questions, and your word becomes something you can return to when:
- you’re stuck
- you’re overwhelmed
- you have a decision to make
- you’re reflecting on how things are going
You don’t complete a word. You practice it.
What kind of word are we talking about?
There’s no “right” category, but many people choose words connected to:
- how they want to show up (calm, brave, focused)
- what they need more of (balance, rest, confidence)
- how they want to treat others (kindness, patience, respect)
- how they want to grow (curiosity, effort, resilience)
The key question isn’t “What sounds impressive?” it’s “What word would actually help me this year?”
What does a word do that a goal doesn’t?
A goal is specific, a word is flexible. I like to think of my word as a gentle reminder to act in a way that brings me closer to the best version of myself. I joke that my word sits on my shoulder and reminds me to behave in alignment with my true self.
Your word can apply to:
- school
- friendships
- sports or activities
- mental health
- how you talk to yourself
- how you respond when things don’t go as planned
On a good day, your word can push you forward. On a hard day, it can steady you.
How you might use your word
Here are a few real ways a word can show up during the year:
- Asking: “What would this word look like right now?”
- Using it during reflection or journaling
- Connecting it to goal-setting in class
- Letting it guide choices: not perfectly, but intentionally
Some students keep their word private. Some write it on a notebook. Some make it their phone lock screen. I have created #oneword-themed music playlists and I find books and other media that help me expand my understanding of my word. One year, I wore a bracelet that depicted my word and found this to be an effective daily reminder.
Choosing your word (keep it simple)
You don’t need a quiz (but here’s one if you need one). You don’t need a list of 100 words (but I have provided a few ideas already). Try this instead:
- Think about last year. What was hard?
- Think about the year ahead. What do you need more of?
- Choose a word that feels helpful, not heavy.
If your word still feels right in a few weeks, keep it. If it evolves, that’s okay too.
One last thing
Your word is not a label. It’s not a promise. It’s not something you have to explain or defend. It’s a quiet guide. A reminder. A small anchor you can return to when the year feels loud.
So as 2026 begins, here’s the real question:
What one word might help you navigate the year ahead?
There’s no deadline to decide. Just a chance to be intentional.
If you are ready to see your #OneWord2026 come to life, you can declare it now via this google form. Using the power of add-ons, you will be immediately sent an image like the one above, but with your #OneWord2026 embedded in it! You can use the image to save and share with others. *This might not work if your email address filters out emails from outside of your network.*
Get your personalized #OneWord image here.
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#slowchathealth 