What's Your Word For 2026?

Some people start a new year resolving to give up sugar or start exercising, or the ubiquitous "lose weight."

We all know how that usually ends....

Instead of making resolutions, which have a notoriously high failure rate, at TrainSmarter, we choose a word for the year.

Your word is a theme--a North Star--that guides your thoughts and choices each day.

It helps you show up as the person you want to be, without the guilt and crash-and-burn cycle that comes with resolutions

It’s one of the simplest, most powerful tools for creating a year that moves you in the direction you want to go.

Why It Works

A single meaningful word gives your brain an anchor.

It clarifies your values and nudges your behavior along, even when motivation dips.

Unlike resolutions, which usually evaporate by February, a word evolves with you. You might interpret it one way in January and a completely new way by August.

It grows with your life.

How to Choose Your Word

Reflect​
What did last year teach you? What do you want more (or less) of?

Notice themes​
What keeps bubbling up--strength, calm, connection, confidence, creativity?

Test-drive it​
Say the word out loud. Do you feel a little spark? A sense of “yes, that’s it”?

Starter Words To Inspire You

Here are some words my clients have used, along with some you might consider for 2026:

Strength--not necessarily muscles. boundaries, courage. capacity.

Consistency--doing things over and over, even when it’s not glamorous.

Balance--remembering that rest matters as much as effort.

Energy--fueling yourself physically and emotionally.

Steady-- showing up without drama.

Expand-- saying yes to the bigger version of your life.

Restore--choosing healing, calm, and replenishment.

Alive-- doing what makes you feel fully awake, not just going through the motions.

Brave-- speaking up, trying something new, or finally doing the thing you’ve been avoiding.

Hope-- expecting the best, even if things feel uncertain

My words have included Fearless, Curious, Trust, Grateful, Savor, and Flourish.

Your word can be playful, serious or aspirational. The only requirement is that it resonates.

One long-time client told me this morning that she was having a hard time deciding between 2 words.....so she used Chat GPT to help her choose the perfect word!

Your word won't scold you.

It doesn’t care how many workouts you missed or whether your to-do list is complete. It simply asks, “How can I embody this today?”

But it'll only do that if your emember it. Seriously!

Make it visible​
This part matters more than you think.
Put your word where you’ll be reminded of it daily: on your mirror, your phone, your planner.

For years, at TrainSmarter we've made "Word of the Year" bracelets.

Do whatever works for you as a daily reminder of your purpose for the year!