The beginning of a brand new 12 months has a humorous status. It’s presupposed to be a reset button. A recent begin. A brand new period. A second the place you all of a sudden turn out to be extra motivated, extra organized, extra disciplined, and extra assured—simply because the calendar modified.
However most of us know the reality, and the science backs this uplife doesn’t magically reboot as a result of we turned a brand new web page on our calendar.
Faculty nonetheless feels busy. Expectations don’t disappear. Motivation comes and goes. Some days you’re locked in and different days you’re simply attempting to get by.
That’s why this 12 months, as a substitute of speaking about resolutionsI wish to introduce (or reintroduce) an easier thought, one which college students (and adults alike) can truly reside with.
The concept known as #OneWord, and I’ve been writing about it for over ten years now.
Why not resolutions?
Resolutions often sound like this:
- I’ll work tougher… at school/the fitness center/on my passions.
- I’ll cease procrastinating… with homework/tidying my room/making use of for a summer time job.
- I will probably be extra motivated… with, I suppose, every little thing.
They’re intense. All-or-nothing. And once you mess up (which everybody does), they have an inclination to vanish quietly by February. A decision appears like an rigid rule, and that’s why I want selecting a phrasewhich feels extra like a course, a mild nudge in direction of turning into the particular person we wish to be.
What’s #OneWord?
As a substitute of setting a protracted record of objectives, you select one phrase to information your 12 months. Not a phrase that pressures you and never a phrase that calls for perfection. You select a phrase that helps you ask higher questions, and your phrase turns into one thing you’ll be able to return to when:
- you’re caught
- you’re overwhelmed
- you’ve a call to make
- you’re reflecting on how issues are going
You don’t full a phrase. You apply it.
What sort of phrase are we speaking about?
There’s no “proper” class, however many individuals select phrases linked to:
- how they wish to present up (calm, courageous, targeted)
- what they want extra of (steadiness, relaxation, confidence)
- how they wish to deal with others (kindness, persistence, respect)
- how they wish to develop (curiosity, effort, resilience)
The important thing query isn’t “What sounds spectacular?” it’s “What phrase would truly assist me this 12 months?”
What does a phrase do {that a} aim doesn’t?
A aim is particular, a phrase is versatile. I like to consider my phrase as a mild reminder to behave in a approach that brings me nearer to the most effective model of myself. I joke that my phrase sits on my shoulder and jogs my memory to behave in alignment with my true self.
Your phrase can apply to:
- college
- friendships
- sports activities or actions
- psychological well being
- the way you discuss to your self
- the way you reply when issues don’t go as deliberate
On a very good day, your phrase can push you ahead. On a tough day, it may well regular you.
The way you may use your phrase
Listed below are just a few actual methods a phrase can present up through the 12 months:
- Asking: “What would this phrase appear like proper now?”
- Utilizing it throughout reflection or journaling
- Connecting it to goal-setting at school
- Letting it information decisions: not completely, however deliberately
Some college students hold their phrase personal. Some write it on a pocket book. Some make it their cellphone lock display. I’ve created #oneword-themed music playlists and I discover books and different media that assist me broaden my understanding of my phrase. One 12 months, I wore a bracelet that depicted my phrase and located this to be an efficient every day reminder.
Selecting your phrase (hold it easy)
You don’t want a quiz (however right here’s one for those who want one). You don’t want a listing of 100 phrases (however I’ve supplied just a few concepts already). Do this as a substitute:
- Take into consideration final 12 months. What was exhausting?
- Take into consideration the 12 months forward. What do you want extra of?
- Select a phrase that feels usefulnot heavy.
In case your phrase nonetheless feels proper in just a few weeks, hold it. If it evolves, that’s okay too.
One last item
Your phrase just isn’t a label. It’s not a promise. It’s not one thing it’s a must to clarify or defend. It’s a quiet information. A reminder. A small anchor you’ll be able to return to when the 12 months feels loud.
In order 2026 begins, right here’s the actual query:
What one phrase may allow you to navigate the 12 months forward?
There’s no deadline to determine. Simply an opportunity to be intentional.
In case you are able to see your #OneWord2026 come to life, you’ll be able to declare it now by way of this google type. Utilizing the ability of add-ons, you can be instantly despatched a picture just like the one above, however along with your #OneWord2026 embedded in it! You should utilize the picture to avoid wasting and share with others. *This may not work in case your e-mail deal with filters out emails from outdoors of your community.*
Get your customized #OneWord picture right here.
Should you appreciated this put up you’ll additionally admire:
Earlier than The Yr Ends: 12 Months in Reflection
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