A Single Word as a Guiding Principle for the Year Ahead

Words are powerful. They shape our thoughts, influence our actions, and, when chosen with intention, they can transform our lives. The phrase “abracadabra” is often associated with magic, but its origins suggest something even more profound. Derived from an Aramaic phrase, it roughly translates to “I create as I speak.” This reminds us that the words we declare cast spells over our lives, shaping our realities.

Many of us rush to make resolutions at the start of a new year, often filling long lists with ambitious goals that fade by February. But what if we focused on a single word instead of resolutions? A word that, like a magical incantation, sets the tone for the year ahead.

I first learned of this practice through my friend Maria Aleandra. She was intentional about creating a life designed entirely on her terms. Watching her thoughtfully select a word each year, and then live by it, was transformative to witness. Her word wasn’t just a fleeting idea; it became an anchor, empowering her and grounding her as she navigated the year’s ups and downs.

At its core, this practice is about choosing a single word that serves as a guiding principle or intention for the year ahead. Unlike traditional goals or resolutions that often focus on specific achievements—losing weight, saving money, or reaching a milestone—a word of the year is about alignment and focus. This moves us away from a checklist approach to life and offers us a lens through which we view our choices and experiences.

Most people approach life from what some coaches call a “DO-HAVE-BE” mindset. They believe they must do certain things in order to have certain outcomes, which will finally allow them to be the person they aspire to become. But when we flip this model to “BE-DO-HAVE,” we discover a more empowering truth: our way of being shapes the actions we take, which naturally leads to the results we desire. Choosing a word of the year is ultimately a practice of being—embodying the qualities and energy of the life we want to create.

Less than a year after learning this practice from my friend, a community I’m part of called the Anima Collective, took the idea even further. The founder, Jaime Nolan, has turned it into a shared ritual of accountability and connection. At the start of each year, she guides the community through our word selection and writes it down to hold for us—an act that solidifies our intentions and ensures we remain connected to them throughout the year. She also offers each of us a bracelet etched with our word, serving as a daily, tangible reminder of our chosen focus.

This practice is so much more than a one-time exercise. Psychologically, choosing a word helps cut through the clutter of competing priorities. It focuses the mind and reduces decision fatigue because it becomes a compass for choices: “Does this align with my word?” Emotionally, it acts as a mantra during challenges, reminding us of what we’re striving for and how we want to feel. Practically, it’s a reminder to stay aligned and steers us back to our intentions.

Choosing your word of the year is a deeply personal process, but it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Here are things to consider when uncovering a word that resonates and aligns with the year you want to create:

Reflect on the Past Year

Begin by looking back on the previous year. What worked well for you? What brought you joy, growth, or success? On the other hand, what felt heavy, challenging, or misaligned? This reflection can reveal patterns or areas that are ready for intentional change.

Envision Your Ideal Year

Close your eyes and imagine yourself a year from now. What feelings, themes, or achievements stand out in this vision? Maybe you see a year filled with connection, balance, or courage. Allow these themes to guide you toward words that capture the energy you want to carry forward.

Brainstorm Potential Words

Write down every word that comes to mind without overthinking. Let the ideas flow freely. Words like “Abundance,” “Flow,” “Courage,” or “Harmony” might pop up, but keep going until you have a robust list of possibilities.

Refine Your Choice

Once you have a list, spend time with each word. Say it aloud. Write it down. Imagine how it feels in your daily life. Does it inspire you? Does it feel expansive rather than limiting?

Avoid words with negative prefixes or suffixes like “realign” or “fearless.” While these might seem aspirational, they can unintentionally draw focus to their root forms which could suggest a need to repeat or redo something, like being stuck in a loop of constant correction. Instead, choose words that fully embody what you do want, such as “Align” instead of “Realign” or “Courage” instead of “Fearless.”

Trust Your Intuition

Remember, your word doesn’t have to be perfect. It just needs to resonate with you. It’s less about picking the “right” word and more about choosing one that feels meaningful and intentional.

Choosing a word of the year is just the beginning. The magic happens when you bring it into your daily life, allowing it to guide your actions, decisions, and mindset. Here are some ways to stay connected with your word all year long:

Create Visual Reminders

Keep your word front and center by placing it where you’ll see it regularly. Write it on post-it notes and stick them on your bathroom mirror or desk. Set it as your phone wallpaper or screensaver. You can even create a piece of art featuring your word, turning it into a decorative and meaningful display.

Use It in Journaling or Meditation

Incorporate your word into reflective practices. At the start or end of each day, journal about how your word showed up or how you can embody it tomorrow. During meditation, repeat your word like a mantra, letting its energy infuse your thoughts and intentions.

Check In During Decision-Making Moments

Let your word act as a compass when making choices. Before saying “yes” to a new opportunity or navigating a challenge, ask yourself: “Does this align with my word of the year?” This practice ensures your actions stay true to the intentions you set.

Choosing a word of the year can be an intuitive process, but I personally love diving into the origins of the words I am choosing because it can reveal layers of meaning I might not initially notice. I specifically use etymology.com to explore the history and evolution of a word. Two years ago, I chose the word “influence.” At first glance, it seemed like a straightforward word that reflected my desire to grow my impact. But when I looked up the etymology, I discovered its origins in the late 14th century as an astrological term meaning “streaming ethereal power from the stars when in certain positions, acting upon character or destiny.” Its Old French roots described an “emanation from the stars that acts upon one's character and destiny.”

This definition spoke directly to the work I was doing at the time, integrating astrology deeply into my coaching practice. Knowing the full meaning behind my word allowed me to step more fully into my role as an astrology-informed life coach, embracing what it means to be guided by the stars and empowering others to align with their cosmic blueprint.

Choosing a word of the year is more than a ritual—it’s an invitation to live with intention, alignment, and purpose. As you start this new year, take a moment to reflect, dream, and discover the word that will guide your journey. Let it remind you of who you’re becoming and the life you’re creating.

One word has the power to shape your year—what will yours be?