Your Word for 2026

One word can make a defining difference in your 2026.

Can you guess what it is? No, that word is not please or thanks or gratitude, although those will serve you well too.

Rather it is one word of your own choosing that will serve to be, what motivational and behavior expert Daniel Pink calls, a self-cue, a theme word. It is a word that can give you direction, a focus, a reminder to keep you on track.

In one of his YouTube videos Pink gives a list of 50 One Word ideas to prime your brain circuits for choosing your One Word. You can check it out here at 4:17 timestamp: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q10H5RA3eCA

I actually chose one before I came across that list, about a week before I had even heard of Dan Pink. My One Word is STRONG. I came up with it on January 2 when my son-in-law Ryan asked me what my New Year’s resolutions are. I told him this year I am not really making any, but there are a lot of things I want to work on. Then he told me he had picked a word for 2026. That made me want one.

So being impetuous me, I chose the first thing that came to my mind, a word I think about a lot anyway.

Hmmm, why did I choose that word and in what ways am I thinking about being STRONG, you ask? I will unpack it a bit, but not exhaustively.

Answer ~ This year I want to:

• Become stronger physically.

• Develop stronger relationships with my family and friends.

• Become mentally stronger and emotionally more resilient.

• Develop stronger writing skills.

• Be the opposite of weak.

• Become spiritually stronger.

Plus, STRONG is Biblical.

• “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

• “She girds her arms with strength, and makes her arms strong.”

  Proverbs 31:17

• “Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future.” (Close enough). Proverbs 31:25

• “Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” Ephesians 6:10-11

So, I strongly encourage you to choose your One Word for 2026. I am convinced that you will be glad you did when the next new year inevitably arrives.

Also, I would love to hear which word you chose, and maybe a little bit about why, if it is not too much trouble. Just hit reply.

Getting stronger,

~Vanessa
www.vanessamarsden.com