Word of the year ideas

Using a single word for the year has become more mainstream in recent years as opposed to doing a traditional New Year’s Resolution. These powerful, personal word of the year ideas will inspire you to make 2023 a fantastic year!

2023 will be here before we know it! 2021 was on the upswing, 2022 has been full of *almost back to normals.*

If you want to continue to embrace simplicity (or are simply DONE with New Year’s Resolutions), would you jump in on the trend to set a word for the year?

The pandemic gave us a lot of reason to pull back and rest, but I’ve seen a lot more “resolutions” this holiday season.

Still, the “Words of the Year” that I’ve seen the past few years range from amplify, ecstasy, joy, simplify, adventure, abundance, and limitless. These are some pretty powerful words! Let’s work through some word of the year ideas and how to choose one to have a fulfilling and happy new year in 2023!

Woman on computer smiling with a cup of tea, ready for the new year

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What is a personal “Word of the Year”?

The idea behind having a word for your year is that it will replace a traditional New Year’s Resolution. This is one single word that you focus on throughout the year. It will permeate your entire life and affect everything you do, from how you react to others, to how you care for yourself, and how you prioritize your life.

Because your “word of the year” is an idea, concept, and driving factor, it is NOT a goal.

Your one little word will be a gentle reminder about your priorities and should help you refocus through the year.

As someone with an exhausting to-do list, it’s so nice to not to have yet another goal to check off!

(Also, consider setting a New Year’s Aspiration rather than a resolution!

History of Word of the Year

Dream is a potential personal word of the year

The German Word of the Year tradition started in 1971. But the American Dialect Society started one for the USA in 1990. Right now, there are many dictionary and linguist groups that assign a word for the year for the country.

For 2022, here are a few of the dictionaries that have assigned a word of the year:

  • Merriam-Webster- gaslighting
  • Cambridge- homer
  • Macquarie- teal
  • Collins- permacrisis
  • Oxford- goblin mode

It is definitely worth noting that these organizations assign a Word of the Year for the PAST year… not the coming year.

Choosing a personal word AFTER the year has happened is much easier, but doesn’t serve the same purpose. But typically, when you choose a word for yourself, you’re going to choose one for the year ahead!

You can also try choosing a word of the month, if you need to narrow down to a shorter time period.

How to Choose a Personal Word for the Year

Choosing a word to represent the entire year can seem like a daunting task. These three steps will help you get on the right track to choosing a personal word.

1: Brainstorm

  1. Jot down any words that you immediately think of.
  2. Go through my one word inspiration list at the end of this post
  3. Go with your initial “gut” reaction first.

The words that you choose should be powerful and positive!. They should reflect the path you want your life to be on. If you’re setting goals or resolutions for 2023, how can your word enhance your goals and give you flow and direction?

It’s okay if you think of a lot of words at first. This means that you’re passionate and have a lot of dreams and goals. But we will work on narrowing these down as we go.

2. Ask yourself questions

Woman brainstorming ideas in her journal and choosing a word.

What is missing from your life?
Where is your life headed? Do you like that path or do you want to change it?
What, if any, lies do you tell yourself?
What are your goals for your personal life?
What are your goals for your professional life?

Do a little soul searching. Maybe do some free-writing. Dig deep. Add to or subtract from your list as necessary. I find that the most powerful words are the ones that are deeply meaningful and apply to many different parts of my life.

3. Narrow them down, one at a time.

Hopefully you have a list of 5 words or so. If you’re left with more than one, consider focusing on one word per quarter instead of for the whole year. This one little focus word should resonate with your being and feel right for you!

Remember!!: There are no wrong answers, because this speaks to your mindset. If you only earn $20,000 a year, don’t say that your word can’t be “rich”—of course it can! Choosing “rich” might help you think rich, stop unnecessary spending, save money, and/or start a side hustle that will ultimately help you get to financial freedom!

It’s about progress, not some unachievable destination.

READ MORE: Your New Year’s Resolution to Live Life to the Fullest!

How to Make Your Word Successful

So with all of this considered, how do you choose a word and set yourself up for the greatest amount of success?

1.) Make sure you see your word every day

Cell phone with the word Radiant. Putting your word for the year as your phone background is a great way to stay focused on it

You want to focus on this word, so put it where you can see it every day. Put it in your planner, on your bathroom mirror, on your car steering wheel. In your fridge, on your fridge, at your dining room table! Post it on your office computer or put it on a card to carry in your wallet!

Create a fancy graphic with Canva and then make it your phone lock screen! (Seriously, how often do we look at our phones during the day?!)

When you’re reminded of your word, you will be literally rewiring your brain to choose that word! To learn more about rewiring your brain, check out this article about Dr. Joe Dispenza.

2.) Put your word into affirmations

I love affirmations and one way to incorporate your word for the year is in an affirmation practice.

Affirmations are basically powerful sentences that you can repeat back to yourself during a meditation practice or remind yourself through the day. They are in first person, positive, present tense, and powerful!

Also, the concepts in this article about New Year’s Resolutions will apply to your word of the year as well.

Here are some affirmations I might use (with word variations or different parts of speech):

  • I am innovative and creative! (Affirmations for Creativity)
  • With each step I take toward my goal, I am liberated from my past and prior beliefs. (Affirmations for Success)
  • I am free! (Affirmations for Letting Go)
  • My life transcends anything I ever thought possible! (Affirmations for Spirituality)
  • I live a life of luxury and enjoyment! (Affirmations for Joy and Pleasure)

My Personal Past 4 Years’ “Word of the Year”

Looking back, if I had to assign a word to each of the years for the past few years (in retrospect), they would be:

  • 2017- Birth
  • 2018- Transformation
  • 2019- Discovery
  • 2020- Transcend

Here are my chosen personal words for the last couple years:

  • 2021- Bloom
  • 2022- Without

This year is definitely my year to INVEST! My word of the year for 2023 is ABUNDANCE!

Related: Execute Your New Year’s Resolution Plan Like a Boss Lady

Be Careful What You Wish For…

Our words are prayers and wishes to the universe, and boy, does the universe listen!

Last year, I chose the word “Without.” I wanted myself to focus on letting go of things I didn’t need, to get away from energy vampires and to focus on simplifying.

But the universe took the word “Without” quite literally!

Our dryer broke in January, and we went without a dryer for a little while. The our washer broke and we went without a washer until we broke down and bought new ones.

We almost had to go without a fridge, because it broke too.

Then my husband’s car broke and we went without a second car…

Our AC broke and we went without air conditioning over the summer.

Our water heater broke and we went 2 months without hot water.

Our furnace broke in November, and thankfully, we only had to go 2 days of 20 degree temps at night before we got our new furnace (and we also installed new AC).

WITHOUT.

The universe gave me plenty of opportunities to live without different things. I think it was ultimately what I needed, because my gratitude has sky-rocketed over the past year!

But it was a difficult year. So this year, my word, my WISH/PRAYER/PLEA to the universe is for Abundance.

It’s hackneyed, sure. But it’s what I really want.

Troubleshooting

I actually gave myself a word for the year 2019 at the beginning of the year. It was “Invest”. Yes, like money, but I wanted to also be conscious of where I was investing my time and my heart. “Invest” and “Discovery” are very different.

And it was even after 2 weeks into January that I knew “Invest” wasn’t going to work for me. I wanted to invest my time into my blog, into my teaching business, into my son (and pregnant at the time). But the pregnancy wore on me and forget investing… I was FLOATING. Just coasting by to avoid getting pulled under by the tide. Yes, at least I wasn’t drowning.

But in that tiring pregnancy phase, I discovered a lot about myself. I’ve done some serious soul searching this year. It wasn’t intentional. It came up completely organically as I went through my every day.

And that unintentional discovery was the best part of my 2019!

Remember that your one little word is just a guide! It’s okay if life takes you in a different direction during the course of the year!

Remain flexible and gently remind yourself about your personal word of the year when you get the chance. Self-reflection is a process and never a destination.

RELATED POST: 140 Words to Describe A Powerful Woman

More Inspiration

Much of my own inspiration comes from books, so I want to share a few that may also inspire you while you are choosing a word.

RELATED POST: The Top 10 Books the Changed My Life (As a Woman)

Here are 250 ideas on this word list (some of them are variations of the same word) for your contemplation:

(Keep in mind that not every word will resonate or work for every individual. For example, maybe you really want your word to be “selfish”. This could be great for those who struggle with boundaries and leak energy because of giving so much of themselves! Remember, it’s okay to fill your own cup first!)

This is not an exhaustive list. There are many more you can choose from. But whatever you choose, make your personal word POWERFUL!

If you’re doing a word of the year, drop a comment below and let me know what it is! And I wish you a happy new year!

RELATED: Your Life Is What You Make of It: 10 Ways to Make It AMAZING!

One Word Examples

Pinterest Image: 250 Personal Word of the Year Ideas for 2022!
  • abundance
  • accept
  • acceptance
  • adventure
  • affect
  • affluence
  • alert
  • align
  • alignment
  • allow
  • amaze
  • ambition
  • amplify
  • appreciate
  • appreciation
  • aspire
  • awake
  • aware
  • awareness
  • badass
  • balance
  • be
  • beauty
  • become
  • belief
  • believe
  • belong
  • belonging
  • birth
  • bliss
  • bloom
  • boss
  • bounce
  • boundaries
  • boundless
  • brave
  • breath
  • breathe
  • capable
  • captivating
  • celebrate
  • centered
  • ceo
  • cheer
  • cleanse
  • comfort
  • community
  • compassion
  • complete
  • connect
  • connection
  • conquer
  • considerate
  • consistency
  • contained
  • contemplation
  • contribute
  • contribution
  • courage
  • create
  • creation
  • creativity
  • delight
  • depth
  • determination
  • determined
  • discipline
  • discovery
  • dream
  • ease
  • ecstasy
  • elevate
  • empathy
  • empire
  • empower
  • energize
  • engage
  • enhance
  • enjoy
  • enjoyment
  • enlighten
  • enlightenment
  • enough
  • enrapture
  • enthuse
  • enthusiasm
  • epitome
  • explore
  • faith
  • family
  • fearless
  • finish
  • flourish
  • flow
  • fly
  • focus
  • force
  • forgive
  • forgiveness
  • free
  • freedom
  • fulfilling
  • fun
  • gain
  • gentle
  • give
  • giving
  • glisten
  • glow
  • grace
  • gracious
  • gratitude
  • grow
  • growth
  • happiness
  • healing
  • health
  • healthy
  • help
  • hold
  • honesty
  • humility
  • ignite
  • immerse
  • improve
  • influence
  • infinity
  • innovation
  • insight
  • inspire
  • integrity
  • intent
  • intention
  • intentional
  • intimacy
  • intuition
  • invest
  • joy
  • kindness
  • laugh
  • lead
  • leader
  • leadership
  • learn
  • liberate
  • light
  • limitless
  • listen
  • love
  • luxury
  • magic
  • maximize
  • meaning
  • meditate
  • metamorphosis
  • mindful
  • mindset
  • minimize
  • monetize
  • money
  • new
  • nirvana
  • nourish
  • now
  • open
  • optimistic
  • organize
  • patience
  • peace
  • persevere
  • perspective
  • play
  • playful
  • pleasure
  • positivity
  • powerful
  • prioritize
  • priority
  • process
  • progress
  • purpose
  • quiet
  • radiant
  • receive
  • reflection
  • release
  • respect
  • rest
  • rich
  • satiating
  • satisfy
  • self-care
  • self-love
  • self-worth
  • selfish
  • service
  • share
  • simplicity
  • simplify
  • slow
  • smile
  • soar
  • soul
  • soulful
  • space
  • sparkle
  • spirit
  • steady
  • still
  • stillness
  • strong
  • succeed
  • success
  • successful
  • surrender
  • surround
  • sympathy
  • teach
  • tempest
  • thoughtful
  • thrill
  • thrilling
  • thrive
  • today
  • transcend
  • transform
  • transformation
  • transparent
  • travel
  • unchained
  • understanding
  • unleash
  • unlimited
  • unstoppable
  • vibrant
  • vision
  • vitality
  • voice
  • wealth
  • wealthy
  • wellness
  • wholehearted
  • wild
  • wonder
  • worth
  • worthy
  • zenith

New Year Resolution Planner Free Printable

Thinking about doing a New Year’s Resolution?! Head on over to the Resource Library to download the New Year’s Resolution Planner: no subscription needed!

New Year Resolution Planner, Last Year Reflection, and New Year Action Plan Free printable download.
250 Ideas for your Personal Word of the Year.

Today I’m talking all about picking a word of the year for 2022 and sharing 100 ideas to help you pick one! This is a great alternative to New Years Resolutions or a way to organize all of your different goals. 

Picking a Word of the Year

Have you picked a “Word of the Year” before?

The practice of choosing a “Word of the Year” is that, instead of setting a lot of different New Years Resolutions, you select one single word to be your focus for the year.

You can use that word to set goals or intentions for each area of your life but have them all tie back to the single word. For example, if your word of the year was “abundance” you might have sub-goals of investing in an abundant number of friendships, or hitting an income goal, or spending more quality time with the people you love without your phone. “Discipline” could entail going to the gym, sticking to an evening routine, and no longer being late to meetings. 

By tying all of your goals back to your overarching word, it is easy to keep them front-of-mind. 

Put the word in prominent places in your life to keep it top of mind – your phone screen, on your fridge, on the front of your planner.

Breaking down my Word of the Year

The first time I picked a word of the year was back in 2017. I used the following two quotes to help guide my choice: 

“Do one thing every day that scares you.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” -Unknown

My word was: Uncomfortable.

When picking my word for 2017, I wanted something that would remind me to take risks, to do things differently than I’ve been doing them. I wanted the reminder to sacrifice what I want now for what I want more. I wanted it to work for my goals in my family, in my relationships, in my personal growth, and in this blog. Here’s what I wrote:

“I wanted 2017 to be a year of discomfort.

It means more trips with the kids in tow, even if it would be easier to stay home.

It means less about me and more about others.

It means more rigorous workouts and waking up earlier.

It means more patience, more presence, and new habits.

It means more projects that challenge me.

It means getting myself off the couch, out from behind the screen, and away from excuses.

Some of the discomfort will be forced. We have some big family changes coming this year and the new + different will inevitably mean a bit of discomfort. But a lot of it will come only by choosing it, from making time for things that are not what I’ve been choosing for the last few years.”

The next year I chose the word “discipline” and listed the different areas of my life and what discipline would look like in each of them. I’ve used a handful of words over the years and now it’s time to pick a word for 2022!

Still looking for your word for 2022?

I’ve listed some of my favorites but before you pick one, take a while to think about what your goals are, who you really want to work on becoming in 2022. What are characteristics of that person? What do your goals for different aspects of your life have in common?

Maybe you’re searching for more simplicity in your business and home life?

Maybe you’re looking to be more daring in your relationships and in your work?

I love the theme a word of the year sets to your goals + direction in the new year. Once you’ve picked it, set it as your phone’s lock screen. Write it on the bathroom mirror (in dry-erase marker). Frame it for your desk or your nightstand. Keep it in the forefront of your mind and use it to set smaller monthly goals throughout the year.

 I hope one of these speaks to you!

    1. Abundance
    2. Adventure
    3. Align
    4. Authentic
    5. Available
    6. Aware
    7. Balance
    8. Become
    9. Better
    10. Bless
    11. Bold
    12. Breathe
    13. Bright
    14. Calm
    15. Celebrate
    16. Centered
    17. Challenge
    18. Change
    19. Commitment
    20. Compassion
    21. Confidence
    22. Connect
    23. Creativity
    24. Cultivate
    25. Daring
    26. Dedicated
    27. Delight
    28. Devotion
    29. Discipline ** (my word for 2018)
    30. Distance
    31. Dream
    32. Embrace
    33. Emerge
    34. Empower
    35. Expansion
    36. Express
    37. Faith
    38. Feast
    39. Fit
    40. Focus
    41. Forgiveness
    42. Foster
    43. Free
    44. Friendship
    45. Glow
    46. Giving
    47. Grace
    48. Gratitude
    49. Grounded
    50. Honesty
    51. Hope
    52. Humility
    53. Integrity
    54. Intentional
    55. Intuition
    56. Journey
    57. Joy
    58. Kind
    59. Learn
    60. Listen
    61. Love
    62. Magnify
    63. Meek
    64. Mindful
    65. Motion
    66. Nourish
    67. Nurture
    68. Organize
    69. Passion
    70. Peace
    71. Permission
    72. Persistance
    73. Play
    74. Polish
    75. Power
    76. Present
    77. Progress
    78. Radiant
    79. Recovery
    80. Relationships
    81. Release
    82. Reset
    83. Resolute
    84. Rise
    85. Risk
    86. Savvy
    87. Service
    88. Simplicity
    89. Slow
    90. Smile
    91. Space
    92. Sparkle
    93. Strong
    94. Teach
    95. Thrive
    96. Tranquil
    97. Whole
    98. Yes
    99. Zen
    100. Zest

Favorite Journals + Planners to use with your Word of the Year for 2021:

Have you picked a word for the year? I’d love to hear it!

A few other posts you might love: 

  • now that you’ve picked your “Word of the Year,” 10 things to do with it
  • my favorite clean energy drink (ditch the soda + coffee for this in 2022 and your body will thank you) 
  • New Year Resolutions for moms

Pin it for later: 

100 ideas for your "Word of the Year" and what to do once you've picked it

notebook with text that reads Words Have Power

As some of you know, I’m always really, really excited about the new year. I love making plans and starting fresh. A lot of people choose one word resolutions or one word goals for each new year, and I am one of them!

The idea is to pick a word that sums up your intentions and hopes. If you always choose a word for the year, or if you’re interested in trying it out for the first time, this list is for you! I’ve brainstormed 100 of them. I didn’t put them in alphabetical order because, uh, I just didn’t feel like it.

I used all nouns, but a lot of them could be made into verbs if that’s more your style. If you want to use them as a random word of the year generator, pick a number between 1 and 100 and then see what you get! I’m going to talk about my own Word of the Year in my newsletter.

New Year’s Words

1. self-care

2. self-acceptance

3. balance

4. grace

5. abundance

6. creativity

7. consistency

8. focus

9. growth

10. investment

11. simplicity

12. kindness

13. peace

14. comfort

15. renewal

16. recovery

17. restoration

18. transition

19. transformation

20. manifestation

21. completion

22. freedom

23. honesty

24. faith

25. light

26. hope

27. optimism

28. courage

29. confidence

30. charisma

31. career

32. ambition

33. perseverance

34. discipline

35. strength

36. power

37. boss

38. health

39. healing

40. joy

41, celebration

42. bliss

43. love

44. home

45. adventure

46. nature

47. beauty

48. family

49. friendship

50. romance

51. rebellion

52. sass

53. enthusiasm

54. inspiration

55. vitality

56. gratitude

57. fun

58. play

59. laughter

60. exploration

61. education

62. wisdom

63. mindfulness

64. presence

65. prayer

66. mastery

67. connection

68. community

69. commitment

70. alignment

71. purpose

72. energy

73. brilliance

74. passion

75. possibility

76. organization

77. harmony

78. gentleness

79. warmth

80. sunshine

81. sparkle

82. spirituality

83. improvement

84. achievement

85. expansion

86. enjoyment

87. ease

88. elegance

89. excellence

90. imagination

91. flow

92. travel

93. investment

94. fulfillment

95. awareness

96. intuition

97. ascent

98. success

99. gold

100. victory

Have you chosen a word of the year, or have you tried it before? We’d love to hear about it!

And if you want more inspiration for the New Year, check out The Book of Dreams Come True, my journal of guided writing exercises for self-discovery and manifestation. I’ve heard from several people, including a teenager (well, her mom told me) and an eighty-five-year-old recent widow, that it gave them new inspiration, and I’m so glad!

book of dreams come true motivational guided journal

Thanks so much for reading, and I’m wishing you all the best for the year to come!

Related Posts

Choose a “word of the year” to stay motivated and keep you on the road to success in 2023 with this printable list of positive, motivational, and inspirational words.

First, use this alphabetized printable list of positive, motivational, and inspirational words to help you choose your “word of the year” for 2023. Next, use the positive word you choose as a mantra or focus point to help you stay motivated to achieve your goals and live the life of your dreams!

The alphabetical list of positive motivational words below and on our inspirational words printable is not exhaustive. You can choose several words, not on the list that would make a perfect choice to be your “word of the year.” It can even be a short motivational phrase, a #hashtag, or a group of positive words. You may also be interested in learning how to plan your day.

alphabetical list of Inspirational words printable for 2022 word of the year

Have you ever made a New Year’s resolution that you could keep? Yeah, me neither. So, I found a better idea!

Today, I like to turn my resolutions into SMART Goals and create an action plan to achieve my goals with actionable steps.

Next, I chose an inspirational word for the year to help me stay focused, motivated, and on track to accomplish my goals.

Related Post: How to Use the Power of Habit to Change Your Life

What is the “Word of the Year” and the “One Little Word” Project?

A word of the year is a word or phrase you choose to help you stay focused, motivated, and on track throughout the year. It is usually an uplifting, positive, inspirational word that motivates you to take action, but it can be any word that holds meaning for you somehow. I learned about the one little word project from Ali Edwards. She writes,

In 2006 I began a tradition of choosing one word for myself each January—a word to focus on, to live with, to investigate, to write about, to craft with, and to reflect upon as I go about my daily life. These words have each become a part of my life in one way or another—a process I document via simple creative monthly prompts from January to December.

Related: I Am Grateful: Gratitude Journal Printable Worksheet

How to Chose a Word of the Year  

Choose your word using our free printable list of positive motivational words. Click the link to download and print this printable list of inspirational words and use it to choose your word of the year for 2023.

Although we have updated it to include even more positive and motivational words and put them into alphabetical order–our printable list of “word of the year” ideas is not exhaustive. You can choose other inspirational words that would also make a perfect choice.

Change the plural form or tense of any positive words on this list of ideas. If, for example, you prefer your word be spelled “courageous” instead of “courage,” then, by all means, use the plural form or tense that you like.

Your “one little word” can even be a short phrase, #hashtag, or group of words if you wish it to be. It is, after all, your word. Choose something meaningful for you, and prepare to be amazed!

When thinking about the word that you would like to use, take a moment to consider your goals and any challenges that you may be facing in your life.

What’s going well, and what can you improve?

If you still need to set goals for the New Year, head over to look at our tips in How to Set SMART Goals. We even have a free goal-setting worksheet you can download–click the link!

Choose a positive, inspirational word that will help you balance everything and make it happen–your choices are unlimited! Claim any word that holds heart and meaning to use as your word of the year.

Don’t worry if none cry out to be your word of the year at first. Meditate, reflect, and allow your word for the year to come to you.

5 Fun Ways to Use Your 2023 Word of the Year

Many believe writing down your goals is the quickest way to reach them. And choosing a word for 2023 is a simple thing you can do to get focused and stay motivated to reach them. Bring the word you desire into your life with the fun “word of the year” ideas below. You might also enjoy this list of New Year Traditions and Celebration ideas.

1. Doodle your “Word of the Year.”

Spend some time writing and doodling the motivational word you choose for your word of the year for 2023. Doodling your word or short phrase can help you embody the positive word or words and make it yours for the year. Make sticky notes and put them all around the house.

Once finished, frame your inspirational word and put it somewhere you will see it daily. If you keep a bullet journal, place your inspirational word for 2023 on the cover or front page.

2. Paint a rock with your inspirational word for the year.

First, paint a rock, or several rocks, with your inspirational word for 2023. Next, place the rock or rocks where you will see them daily. Inspirational word rocks make an excellent paperweight for a desk and look lovely in the yard or garden. Pop over to look at these fun rock painting tips and ideas to get started on your inspirational word rock.

breathe - one little word of the year 2020

3. Make (or buy) a “Word of the Year” bracelet or necklace.

Here are three ideas in one–use the one you like best:

4. Paint a candle holder with a positive motivational word.

Use our personalized candle holder tutorial to paint a heart with your favorite motivational word of the year. These hand-painted candle holders cast beautiful heart shapes upon the wall when lit. Look at how gorgeous they look in the photo below. You can see the candle holder I painted with the word “focus” written inside the heart. 

5. Buy positive, inspirational word swag.

Make your inspirational word of the year work for you with fun swag you can buy–such as Word Cloud Art Prints–with your motivational word to help you stay focused on your goals all year. A few more things you can buy with your “word of the year” are on the list below.

  • T-shirts
  • Coloring book 
  • Word signs
  • Word Pillows
  • Bags
  • Jewelry
  • Word rings
  • Pendants

Related: Get Organized for Good: 10 Reasons to Make Rhythm a Habit

Word of the Year 2023 Ideas

Once you have decided on your word for 2023, use it to create any of the ideas listed above to help revitalize it and bring your dreams and goals to fruition.

Next, learn how to turn your goals into positive affirmations!

Learn more about Rhythms of Play HERE!

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  • Gratitude Journal Prompts Printable

Do you want to select a word of the year (or word of the month, week, or day), but aren’t quite sure of what to pick? This list of word of the year ideas can help!

Keep scrolling past the list of positive words to grab a free printable word of the year reflections journal page with a complete printout list of the word suggestions.

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What is a word of the year?

A word of the year (or month, week, or day), is a word you pick to guide your year (or month, week, or day). People usually select a positive word or a word that reminds them of their intentions and desires.

A word of the year helps remind you of your goals and desires for the year. You can use it as a mantra, as part of your affirmations practice, or as inspiration for journaling. It can help guide your goals and intentions.

How to pick a word of the year

Your word of the year needs to feel “right,” which is why picking a word of the year can seem so daunting sometimes! Here are a few questions you can journal on as you select a word of the year:

  • What intention do am I setting for the new year?
  • Why do I want to manifest this intention this year?
  • What do I feel I need most this year?
  • How can I work together with Universe to achieve my intentions this year?
  • How will it feel to achieve my intentions and meet my goals?

These questions are included on a free printable journaling page available further down the page. Look for the row of purple arrows.

Answering these questions can help guide your selection. If, for example, what you desire most in the new year is a feeling of peace, select an appropriate guiding word. Words like peace, relax, allow, trust, and accept might be appropriate for you. Words like adventure, hustle, and excited might not be a good fit if you’re craving peace.

Keep your answers in mind as you read through the list of word of the year ideas below.

Here’s a quick look into my thought process when I selected my personal word of the year. For the year ahead, I have chosen “Aparigraha,” or non-attachment. I’m working on natural vision improvement (yes, that’s a thing), and know that non-attachment will help my progress.

Vision is the only sense we attempt to force on a regular basis instead of allowing the sensations to arrive at our body. Instead of trying to force and strive for more clear vision (which totally doesn’t work), I’m seeking to have fun and enjoy the experience while expressing gratitude for my eyes. The more I relax and let go of worry about the blur, the more clear my vision becomes. (Curious about natural vision improvement? Check out this post from the Weston A Price Foundation and, if you’e really curious, sign up for a free class with my vision instructor.)

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How to use a word of the year

I personally like to write my word of the year at the start of my new planner to remind me of my positive intentions. Sometimes I also write it on a note on my fridge or at my desk. You might repeat it like a mantra or use it as your guide when making choices.

You can make a game out of looking for your word of the year as you move through each day. You might even be able to find pillows, posters, mugs, etc. that remind you of your word of the year!

An image of a coffee table in front of a sofa. The sofa has a throw pillow with "calm is a super power' on it. The table has a notebook and a tea tray with tea, towels, a candle, a crystal, and a small plant on it.

As you go through this list, you will immediately find words that do not resonate with you. Cross them off, either mentally or physically on the free printable. Then, you can make a short list of 3-5 words (if you need to), before narrowing in on a single word of the year. You can always use your shortlisted words later as a word of the month, week, or day!

Make sure to keep scrolling down the page for your printable word of the year list PDF and journaling pages to help you uncover your word of the year.

  • Abundance
  • Accept  
  • Accountability  
  • Achieve  
  • Active  
  • Adaptable  
  • Adventurous  
  • Allow  
  • Aparigraha
  • Appreciate  
  • Assertive  
  • Attentive 
  • Authentic  
  • Awaken  
  • Balance
  • Be  
  • Beautiful  
  • Believe  
  • Belong  
  • Bliss  
  • Bloom  
  • Bold  
  • Boundaries  
  • Brave  
  • Breathe  
  • Bright 
  • Brilliant  
  • Build
  • Calm  
  • Capable  
  • Carefree  
  • Caring  
  • Celebrated  
  • Challenge  
  • Change  
  • Cheerful  
  • Cherished
  • Compassionate
  • Confident
  • Consistency
  • Cooperative
  • Courageous  
  • Create  
  • Decisive  
  • Declutter  
  • Dedicated  
  • Dependable  
  • Determined  
  • Devoted  
  • Disciplined  
  • Dream
  • Easy-Going  
  • Elevate  
  • Embrace  
  • Empathic  
  • Empowered  
  • Encourage  
  • Energetic  
  • Enjoy  
  • Enlightened  
  • Excited  
  • Experience  
  • Explore 
  • Faith  
  • Family  
  • Fearless  
  • Fitness  
  • Flourish  
  • Focus  
  • Forgive  
  • Forward  
  • Freedom  
  • Generous  
  • Gentle
  • Give 
  • Goals  
  • Grateful  
  • Grow  
  • Happy  
  • Harmony  
  • Healthy
  • Honest  
  • Hope  
  • Humble  
  • Humorous 
  • Hustle  
  • Imagine  
  • Improve  
  • Independent  
  • Inspire  
  • Integrity  
  • Intentional Intuitive  
  • Inventive 
  • Journey
  • Joy  
  • Just
  • Justified  
  • Kind  
  • Laugh  
  • Learn  
  • Lively  
  • Loved  
  • Loving  
  • Loyal  
  • Lucky  
  • Magical  
  • Mindful  
  • Miracles  
  • Motivated  
  • New  
  • Nurture
  • Open-Minded  
  • Optimistic  
  • Organized  
  • Overcome  
  • Passion  
  • Patient  
  • Peaceful  
  • Persistent  
  • Positive
  • Powerful  
  • Practical  
  • Proactive  
  • Prosperous  
  • Protect  
  • Purpose  
  • Quick  
  • Rational  
  • Ready  
  • Realistic  
  • Receptive  
  • Refresh  
  • Relate  
  • Relax 
  • Reliable  
  • Relieved  
  • Renew  
  • Resilient  
  • Resourceful 
  •  Respected  
  • Rest
  • Revive  
  • Rise  
  • Romantic  
  • Sacred  
  • Safe 
  • Satisfied  
  • Secure  
  • Seek  
  • Shine  
  • Skilled  
  • Smart  
  • Sociable  
  • Soulful  
  • Strong  
  • Successful  
  • Support  
  • Surrender  
  • Teach
  • Thoughtful
  • Thriving  
  • Transform  
  • Transparent  
  • Travel  
  • Triumphant  
  • Trust
  • Truth  
  • Understanding  
  • Unique  
  • Unlimited  
  • Unstoppable  
  • Uplift  
  • Valuable  
  • Versatile  
  • Vibrant  
  • Victorious  
  • Vision  
  • Vulnerable  
  • Warm  
  • Wealthy  
  • Welcoming  
  • Wellness  
  • Willing  
  • Wisdom
  • Wise  
  • Witty  
  • Wonder  
  • Worthy  
  • Zestful  
  • Zing

Word of the year free printable

Ready to get clarity and select a word of the year? Download your free printable word of the year reflection journal plus a page with all the word of the year ideas!

Two free printables to help you find your word of the year. The front page is a journaling reflections sheet and the page behind is a list of 50+ positive word of the year ideas

Like all free printable journals here on The Artisan Life, these are available for personal use. This includes use with your personal classroom or an activity you are personally organizing. You are not licensed to redistribute, or sell, the files or printouts to others. Please just refer your friends and coworkers to this page so they can download their own copy for free.

If you agree to this license, you may click below:

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I hope you enjoy the free word of the year printables and that they help you achieve clarity! If you enjoy journaling, make are to check out these additional journal and planner printables here on The Artisan Life:

Printable May Planner Pages

Celebrate spring in full bloom with these beauitful planner inserts for May! Available in US letter and Happy Planner Classic sizes.

Printable April Planner Pages

Get ready for spring with these pretty floral planner inserts. These printable April planner pages are available in US letter and Happy Planner Classic sizes.

February Planner Printables

These sweet planner printables for February are decorated with hearts and coffee. US letter size and Happy Planner Classic sizes are included.

October Journal Prompts

These October journal prompts are a lot of fun! The sweet and spooky watercolor illustrations on the printables are a great way to get in the Halloween spirit.

A few years ago I was listening to the podcast Happier and I discovered the concept of “Word of the year” and I have been doing it ever since. Having a word of the year has been really helpful in setting my goals and resolutions. It also helps me make decisions throughout the year.
It’s something I look forward to as the new year approaches, definitely one of my favorite traditions!

What is a Word of the Year?

You choose one word that will be the “North Star” for the upcoming year. It can guide your New Year’s resolutions and help you put more thought into what you want to focus on throughout the year.

The word of the year is also known as One Word or One Little Word.

How do you choose your 2022 word?

Maybe you already have one word you immediately thought of as soon as you read the introduction.

And if not? It’s the most common reaction, so don’t worry! Here are the steps I follow:

  • Start by looking back at the year that is ending and examine what was missing or what you want more of
  • Think of what you would like to focus on in the upcoming year, how would you want your days to be like? Relaxed and slow, buzzing of activities and/or friends, focused on a big project?
  • If you are stuck, simply scan through the list of 100 word ideas below and select the 10 or 20 words that are related to the questions above. Then remove synonyms and continue to reduce the list based on what resonates the most until you find the final one

How to use your word for goals and resolutions

  • Think of all the possible meanings and interpretations. For example, “Light” can refer to daylight and sunshine and will prompt you to get outside more; it can be connected to feeling “light” and it might lead you to delete Twitter and pick up a new hobby instead of doom-scrolling; or you might want to “find the light” on gloomy days and start a gratitude list or a journal. Come up with as many interpretations as you can, see what comes up and which ones you want to set as resolution/intentions for the new year
  • Write down the meanings and interpretations that you want to work on and include in the next year and journal about it, remembering to include practical activities
  • Remember your word, think about it often. A simple way to not forget it in two months is to find an image that is related and use that as your phone’s background picture. I’ve heard some people buy a t-shirt with their word printed on it for example. You can even get a custom charm for this specific purpose!
  • Think about it when making decisions Choosing a word for the year can be useful also when you have to make a decision. It might sound a bit extreme, but thinking of your word can offer a different perspective or remind you of what you set out looking for.

    For instance, you can ask yourself “Which one of the options would bring more __________?”

    Following the example of “Light”, I would probably say yes to a picnic in the park even if I am tired, or it could be a gentle nudge towards speaking up immediately rather than keeping a grudge or overthinking what a friend said.

Help – I can’t pick a single word/I want to change my word of the year

The idea is for this to be a helpful reminder of the main theme you would like to focus on for the upcoming months, but nothing is set in stone!

You can (of course) adapt it or adopt a new word altogether whenever.

Some folks prefer to have multiple words, maybe one per quarter or one per month, to focus on a new area each season!

  1. Abundance
  2. Accept
  3. Action
  4. Adapt
  5. Adventure
  6. Authenticity
  7. Awareness
  8. Balance
  9. Be
  10. Become
  11. Begin
  12. Blossom
  13. Bold
  14. Brave
  15. Build
  16. Calm
  17. Care
  18. Challenge
  19. Change
  20. Commit
  21. Connect
  22. Creativity
  23. Courage
  24. Daring
  25. Decision
  26. Discipline
  27. Dream
  28. Driven
  29. Energy
  30. Enhance
  31. Evolve
  32. Explore
  33. Family
  34. Flow
  35. Focus
  36. Follow
  37. Freedom
  38. Fun
  39. Generous
  40. Gift
  41. Give
  42. Go
  43. Gratitude
  44. Growth
  45. Habit
  46. Happiness
  47. Health
  48. Help
  49. Ideas
  50. Immagine
  51. Improve
  52. Innovate
  53. Intuitiion
  1. Joy
  2. Kindness
  3. Laughter
  4. Learn
  5. Light
  6. Listen
  7. Love
  8. Meaning
  9. Mindfulness
  10. Mission
  11. Movement
  12. Nature
  13. Nourish
  14. Nurture
  15. Opportunity
  16. Organize
  17. Patience
  18. Persistence
  19. Play
  20. Point
  21. Positive
  22. Practice
  23. Present
  24. Progress
  25. Question
  26. Radiate
  27. Reach
  28. Relationships
  29. Relax
  30. Reset
  31. Resilience
  32. Rest
  33. Share
  34. Silence
  35. Simplify
  36. Smile
  37. Start
  38. Stillness
  39. Strength
  40. Support
  41. Teach
  42. Tell
  43. Think
  44. Trust
  45. Try
  46. Unique
  47. Understand
  48. Useful
  49. Vibrant
  50. Why
  51. Work
  52. Yes

I’d love to know your word for the year, please share it in the comments below!

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personal word of the year

Tired of setting New Year’s resolutions that go nowhere or writing out the same resolutions year after year after year?

If you nodded your head as you read that sentence, I’ve got a softer approach to new year’s resolutions and goal-setting for you to consider – trying out a personal word of the year.

Before we even get into what a personal word of the year is, let me set the context a little bit – I love using the slow days of December to work through some annual reflection & reset journal prompts to take stock of the year gone by + plan dream of the year ahead. One of these year-end rituals is to choose a personal word of the year for myself which I use as a guiding force, a theme, for the next 12 months and it’s a little thing that I have come to love over the years!

I’ve talked about my experience with choosing a personal word of the year a little later in this post, but I thought I’ll share more about this practice with you all because I think it’s a simple yet powerful tool to design a better life for yourself.

So, What is a Personal Word of the Year?

I think of a personal word of the year as a lighthouse for a given year. Just like a lighthouse works as a navigation tool for boats and ships, that’s how a word of the year can be as well – a guiding light to provide you a sense of direction as you go about your life for the next 12 months (or whatever time frame you choose it for).

It is a word that you choose to focus on and incorporate into your daily life for the upcoming year. This word can serve as a guiding principle or theme for your goals and actions.

It can be a word that represents something you want to improve on or achieve, or it can be a reminder of an important value or idea. By choosing a personal word of the year, you can set an intention for how you want to live and grow in the coming year. It can be a powerful tool for personal growth and reflection.

It’s way less rigid than a resolution or goal – the personalness of the word and its meaning to you is what makes it unique and so powerful. It can act as a driving force and a gentle reminder to you to create a life aligned with your true inner desires.

How to Choose Your Word?

I’ve been choosing a personal word of the year for myself for nearly the last five years now, maybe even longer. It’s something I picked up from Ali Edwards’ One Little Word exercise from my memory-keeping days.

For some years, the word has jumped out at me without much digging. In other years, I have chosen my word intentionally based on what I want to focus on that year. In any case, a little bit of reflection and journaling can definitely help in choosing a word that resonates with you. I’ve put down a few helpful prompts to make the process easier for you.

1| Reflect on the Last Year

Think back over the last 12 months and ask yourself some deep questions:

  • What were your struggles?
  • What went well?
  • What did you wish you’d done differently?
  • What do you want more of?
  • What do you want less of?
  • How do you feel right now?

Record your answers in a journal or a sheet of paper – they should give you a sense of direction about what is important to you and/or what you feel is potentially missing from your life.

2| Look Ahead

Now, cast your mind to the end of the next 12 months.

  • Where do you see yourself at the end of the year?
  • What do you want to have accomplished over the next 12 months?
  • What do you want to focus on this year?
  • How do you want to feel at the end of the year?

Again, your responses should solidify your sense of direction about your life and highlight what you want more of in your life over the next 12 months.

SIGN UP HERE TO RECEIVE A COPY OF THE 2023 NEW YEAR RESET WORKBOOK + A COPY OF THE LIST OF PERSONAL WORDS OF THE YEAR:

3| Shortlist Words

Having completed this reflection and visualization exercise, some words might already have started jumping out to you. Start jotting down these words and come up with a shortlist.

4| Choose a Word That Truly Speaks to You

From your own shortlist, pick a word that truly motivates and excites you. It’s not a science, so lean into your intuition and see what word triggers the most positive reaction. There are no right or wrong answers, so choose a word that makes the most sense to you.

If you’re really struggling with choosing a word, there’s a list of over 200 words towards the end of the post that you can refer to.

How to Make the Most of Your Personal Word of the Year

1| Know Your Why

First and foremost, get crystal clear on your “why”. Ask yourself what are you hoping to achieve with this word as your guiding light. At the end of the day, choosing a personal word of the year is about intention setting, and the clearer you are about your real objectives, the easier it will be to follow through.

2| Make It Visible

From my personal experience, I’d say that this can make a huge difference. I’ve had years when I’ve written about my word in a journal at the start of the year, and then never actively done anything with it, which is obviously something that you don’t want to happen.

Instead, making your word super visible can act as a constant positive reminder for you to align yourself to that energy. Going back to the lighthouse analogy – a lighthouse won’t really be of that much help to boats if it didn’t throw out that powerful beam of light to make itself known, right?

A few ideas to make your word visible:

  • Make a physical or digital vision board
  • Create a phone/laptop wallpaper with your word
  • Include your word in your passwords
  • Include your word in an affirmation (or two) and read that affirmation to yourself every day
  • Have your word inscribed on a small token that you use/see regularly. Like a key chain, or in the form of an inscribed stone (like Liz Lamoreux’s Soul Mantra products) that you can keep by your bedside.

3| Set Yourself Some Actionable Goals + Habits

Merely choosing a personal word of the year isn’t going to be enough to uplevel your life in the ways you want to. You need to use the word to come up with a list of action items.

If “joy” was your chosen word, one of your actionable habits could look like “do something every day that brings me joy”. As a precursor to that, you should make a list of things that bring you joy.

Of course, the actionables could vary depending on the kind of word you choose. Also, every word need not necessarily translate into specific actionable goals (say, kindness), and that’s okay too. Your word of the year could simply be a feeling/attitude you want more of in your life, and that would be great too!

4| Regularly Check-in With Your Word

You could do this in a few ways. Maybe every night before bed, you could mentally ask yourself if you truly lived by your word today. Or, you could do a weekly/monthly review of your word and the related actionable habits to see whether you’re actually using the word in your life as you intended.

This journal or this online class could be a great way to create a year-long project out of living with your word of the year.

A Few Helpful Reminders

If this is the first time you’re choosing a personal word of the year and if the process of choosing a word seems overwhelming, these helpful reminders might make it easier for you.

You don’t have to choose just one word.

Don’t get hung up about the word having to be “one word”. Choose three words, or even a phrase or a quote, if that’s what makes sense to you. Whatever you choose, the important thing is that it needs to act as a guiding light for you through the year.

You don’t have to be married to your word for the whole year.

If your word stops resonating with you at any point during the year, or if you’ve just overgrown it, feel free to do a hard reset and re-select your word. Yes, you’re totally allowed to change your word if you need to!

You don’t have to choose a single word for the whole year.

On a similar note, you don’t have to have a single word for the whole year. If it works better for you, you could have an overarching word for the year, and then select a word for every quarter/month that ties in with the broader theme.

My Experience With a Personal Word of the Year

I’ve chosen words like Do, Finish, and Action for my One Little Word over the years.

In 2020, my personal word of the year was “Light”. Going into 2020, I’d been dealing with some heavy feelings and negative thoughts, and I really wanted to actively seek the light, and bring more light into my life.

Now, it might come as a surprise to no one that 2020 didn’t quite go as per plan. However, by the end of the year, I did feel a certain kind of lightness in my life. Believe me, the year went nothing as I envisaged it (not even taking into account COVID and lockdowns, etc.), and yet, the Universe helped to shine the light on some key areas of my life, and in hindsight, I am all the more better for it.

In 2021, I chose “Bold” as my personal word of the year. However, fragile mental health (worse off in 2021 than 2020 for me) and some personal losses meant that I felt anything but “bold” as I went about the year. But 2021 also turned out to be the year that I said yes to one big work opportunity (moving to Singapore) and that bold action in itself led to many subtle and some not-so-subtle changes in my life. Sometimes you need a bit of a shake-up to move on to the next version of your life and this year was certainly one of those prime shake-up moments of my life.

In 2022, coming off the back of a hard 2020 and 2021, I chose Heal and Foundation as my two words for the year. I’ve made imperfect progress on both of those words – there are still so many things I am working on (both mentally and outwardly) but the key thing is that I am ending the year so much stronger than how it began. And with that in mind, I definitely feel like my words for the year held me up.

I am still thinking over my personal word of the year for 2023, but I’ll update this post later in the year to talk about how the year shaped up with my new word in focus.

250 Personal Word of the Year Ideas

Personal word of the year ideas

Lastly, if you’re really struggling to come up with a word for yourself, I’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of 250 ideas that you can use as your personal word of the year.

  1. Abundant
  2. Abundance
  3. Accept
  4. Achieve
  5. Act
  6. Action
  7. Adventure
  8. Align
  9. Alignment
  10. Allow
  11. Amaze
  12. Amazement
  13. Ambition
  14. Amplify
  15. Aspire
  16. Awake
  17. Awakened
  18. Badass
  19. Balance
  20. Ballsy
  21. Be
  22. Beauty
  23. Become
  24. Begin
  25. Believe
  26. Belong
  27. Best
  28. Better
  29. Bliss
  30. Bloom
  31. Bold
  32. Boundless
  33. Boss
  34. Brave
  35. Build
  36. Calm
  37. Care
  38. Centered
  39. Change
  40. Cheer
  41. Cheerful
  42. Chill
  43. Challenge
  44. Choose
  45. Clear
  46. Clarity
  47. Clean
  48. Cleanse
  49. Comfort
  50. Commit
  51. Community
  52. Compassion
  53. Complete
  54. Connect
  55. Consider
  56. Considerate
  57. Consistent
  58. Conscious
  59. Content
  60. Contentment
  61. Cool
  62. Courage
  63. Cozy
  64. Create
  65. Creative
  66. Dare
  67. Dedicate
  68. Dedication
  69. Delight
  70. Depth
  71. Direct
  72. Direction
  73. Discipline
  74. Dream
  75. Do
  76. Easy
  77. Effort
  78. Effortless
  79. Elevate
  80. Embrace
  81. Empower
  82. Encourage
  83. Energy
  84. Enjoy
  85. Enough
  86. Enthusiasm
  87. Essentialism
  88. Evolve
  89. Experience
  90. Expand
  91. Explore
  92. Faith
  93. Faithful
  94. Family
  95. Fearless
  96. Finish
  97. Fitness
  98. Flourish
  99. Flow
  100. Free
  101. Freedom
  102. Fresh
  103. Focus
  104. Force
  105. Forge
  106. Forgive
  107. Gain
  108. Generous
  109. Gentle
  110. Give
  111. Go
  112. Grace
  113. Graceful
  114. Gratitude
  115. Grateful
  116. Grow
  117. Growth
  118. Guard
  119. Happy
  120. Heal
  121. Health
  122. Heart
  123. High
  124. Higher
  125. Home
  126. Honest
  127. Honesty
  128. Honor
  129. Hustle
  130. Imagine
  131. Improve
  132. Influence
  133. Inspire
  134. Intentional
  135. Invest
  136. Journey
  137. Joy
  138. Keep
  139. Kindle
  140. Kind
  141. Laugh
  142. Lead
  143. Leader
  144. Leap
  145. Learn
  146. Less
  147. Light
  148. Limitless
  149. Listen
  150. Live
  151. Love
  152. Magic
  153. Make
  154. Maintain
  155. Manifest
  156. Maximum
  157. Maximize
  158. Mend
  159. Mindful
  160. Minimal
  161. Minimize
  162. More
  163. Move
  164. Mystical
  165. Nest
  166. New
  167. Now
  168. Nourish
  169. Nurture
  170. Open
  171. Organize
  172. Partner
  173. Patience
  174. Passion
  175. Persist
  176. Persistent
  177. Perspective
  178. Plan
  179. Play
  180. Playful
  181. Positive
  182. Possibilities
  183. Powerful
  184. Practice
  185. Pray
  186. Prepare
  187. Present
  188. Prioritize
  189. Progress
  190. Pure
  191. Purpose
  192. Raise
  193. Reason
  194. Record
  195. Reduce
  196. Reflect
  197. Refresh
  198. Renew
  199. Repair
  200. Reset
  201. Resilient
  202. Resilience
  203. Rest
  204. Rise
  205. Roots
  206. Savor
  207. Secure
  208. Self-love
  209. Serve
  210. Shake
  211. Share
  212. Shift
  213. Shine
  214. Simple
  215. Simplify
  216. Space
  217. Soar
  218. Solidify
  219. Soul
  220. Soulful
  221. Steady
  222. Still
  223. Stillness
  224. Strong
  225. Strength
  226. Success
  227. Succeed
  228. Thankful
  229. Thoughtful
  230. Thrive
  231. Transcend
  232. Transparent
  233. Trust
  234. Unapologetic
  235. Understand
  236. Unlimited
  237. Untamed
  238. Value(s)
  239. Vitality
  240. Wander
  241. Wealth
  242. Wellness
  243. Whole
  244. Wholehearted
  245. Wild
  246. Wisdom
  247. Wonder
  248. Worthy
  249. Wow
  250. Yes

I hope this helps you to come up with a personal word for the year! Let me know in the comments below what you choose.

Word of the year ideas — focus words — themes for the year — setting intentions — intentional living — goals — life on purpose!

·

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Last Updated on January 4, 2022

2022 word of the year, and 220 ideas for yours

Choosing a word of the year is something I’ve done for awhile now, to guide my actions over the year, and to help me set goals.

If you’re interested in choosing a word of the year but aren’t entirely sure what a word of the year is, why it’s beneficial, how to choose a word of the year, how to remember it, or are looking for some word of the year ideas, then this post will hopefully provide you with everything you need to get started.

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What is a word of the year?

A word of the year is a single word that acts as a theme for your year, or provides you with a focus.

You can also use your word to set goals for different areas of your life.

For example, if your word of the year is productive, a goal with this word as the focus may be to work two hours each day on a side project. Or, if your word is discipline, a goal may be to exercise a certain number of times a week.

Benefits of choosing a word of the year

 Some of the benefits of choosing a word of the year include:

  • It reminds you of the person you want to become.
  • It helps you to stay focused on what’s important.
  • It provides you with a mantra to say during tough times, or when you need clarification on something.
  • It helps you to prioritise what’s important, or what you want to improve in your life.

How to choose a word of the year

There isn’t a right way to choose a word of the year, and sometimes it can be as easy as a word just popping into your head and feeling right, or reading a word somewhere and realising that’s your perfect word.

If either of these two things happen, then that’s fantastic, but if not you may like to try any of these suggestions to help you to clarify your word of the year:

1 Think about the person you’d like to become over the next year, and write down the words that describe that person.

2 You may wish to ask yourself some more questions to help you identify the person you’d like to become, which could be:

    • What’s missing from your life?
    • What areas of your life do you want to focus on over the next year?
    • What goals do you have for your personal and professional life?
    • What do you want more or less of in your life?

3 Write down the definitions for each word you’ve written down, and highlight the words that resonate with you.

4 If you’d still like some more words read your definitions and see if there are any words in them that sound like they could work for you.

5 If you’d still like some more words there could be some in the list at the end of this post.

6 Take some time to think about the words you’ve highlighted and really see which ones resonate with you. If there are a few, think about how well they will guide you to become the person you want to be, or achieve the goals you want to work on.

7 Sleep on it for a few days, and see what word keeps popping into your head.

Ultimately the word you choose should excite you, because it represents the person you want to become, and can help you to do more of the things you want to do in the upcoming year.

Some things to remember are to not feel pressured to come up with a word by a certain time. You don’t have to have your word ready by January 1st if you don’t want to, and once you choose a word, there’s no reason why you can’t change it, if it doesn’t work for you.

Also, you don’t have to choose a word every year, I haven’t.

How to remember your word of the year

Some ways that you can remember your word of the year is to put it in your planner, on a vision board, write it on a post it note and keep it somewhere you look everyday, or make a graphic of it and use it as your screensaver for your phone, computer, or tablet.

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My 2022 word of the year is prioritise, which I intend to use in three areas of my life – this blog, my health, and my family.

I want to make sure that I’m always working on one of these areas as much as I can.

For example, if I find myself mindlessly scrolling online, I’ll ask myself what else can I prioritise at that particular point in any of these three areas, and for this example it could mean scrolling other things that may improve the blog.

Or, if I have a day where nothing’s planned, I’ll make sure to prioritise family and find something that we can all do together.

Some word of the year ideas

 Some words that you may like to consider for your own word of the year are:

  1. Abundance
  2. Accept
  3. Achieve
  4. Action (my 2015 word)
  5. Adapt
  6. Adventure
  7. Affluence
  8. Ambition
  9. Amplify
  10. Aspire
  11. Balance
  12. Believe
  13. Better (my 2018 word)
  14. Big
  15. Bloom
  16. Bold
  17. Boundaries
  18. Brave
  19. Breathe
  20. Build
  21. Calm
  22. Care
  23. Celebrate
  24. Challenge
  25. Change
  26. Clarity
  27. Commit (my 2019 word)
  28. Complete
  29. Confidence
  30. Connect
  31. Consistent
  32. Courage
  33. Create (my 2014 word)
  34. Cultivate
  35. Declutter
  36. Dedicate
  37. Deliberate
  38. Delight
  39. Determined
  40. Diligence
  41. Direction
  42. Discipline
  43. Discover
  44. Dream
  45. Driven
  46. Ease
  47. Elevate
  48. Embrace
  49. Empathy
  50. Energy
  51. Engage
  52. Enhance
  53. Enjoy
  54. Enough
  55. Examine
  56. Excitement
  57. Expand
  58. Experience
  59. Explore
  60. Extraordinary
  61. Family
  62. Fearless
  63. Finish
  64. Fitness
  65. Flourish
  66. Flow
  67. Fly
  68. Focus
  69. Forgive
  70. Forward
  71. Free
  72. Freedom
  73. Friendship
  74. Fun
  75. Future
  76. Gain
  77. Gentle
  78. Give
  79. Glorious
  80. Glow
  81. Go
  82. Goals
  83. Grace
  84. Gratitude
  85. Grow
  86. Habit
  87. Happy
  88. Harmony
  89. Health
  90. Here
  91. Higher
  92. Home
  93. Honesty
  94. Hope
  95. Hustle
  96. Illuminate
  97. Imagination
  98. Imagine
  99. Improve
  100. Indulge
  101. Innovation
  102. Insight
  103. Inspire
  104. Integrity
  105. Intention
  106. Intimacy
  107. Intuition
  108. Invest
  109. Journey
  110. Joy
  111. Kindness
  112. Laugh
  113. Lead
  114. Learn
  115. Less
  116. Liberate
  117. Life
  118. Light
  119. Listen
  120. Love
  121. Magic
  122. Manifest
  123. Maximise
  124. Mindful
  125. Mindset
  126. Minimise
  127. Mission
  128. Moment
  129. Monetise
  130. More
  131. Move
  132. Nature
  133. New
  134. Nourish
  135. Now
  136. Nurture
  137. Open
  138. Optimistic
  139. Organise
  140. Passion
  141. Patience
  142. Peace
  143. Permission
  144. Persevere
  145. Persist
  146. Perspective
  147. Play
  148. Pleasure
  149. Positivity
  150. Possibility
  151. Powerful
  152. Practice
  153. Prioritise
  154. Progress
  155. Prosper
  156. Purpose
  157. Quiet
  158. Reclaim
  159. Reconnect
  160. Reflect
  161. Relationships
  162. Relax
  163. Release
  164. Renewal
  165. Reset
  166. Rest
  167. Retreat
  168. Rich
  169. Satiating
  170. Satisfy
  171. Savour
  172. Seek
  173. Self care
  174. Self worth
  175. Serene
  176. Share
  177. Shift
  178. Shine
  179. Simplify
  180. Slow
  181. Smile
  182. Soar
  183. Space
  184. Spark
  185. Speak
  186. Still
  187. Stretch
  188. Strong
  189. Success
  190. Support
  191. Surrender
  192. Surround
  193. Think
  194. Thrive
  195. Today
  196. Transform
  197. Travel
  198. Trust
  199. Unafraid
  200. Understand
  201. Unlimited
  202. Unstoppable
  203. Value
  204. Vibrant
  205. Vision
  206. Vivacious
  207. Voice
  208. Vulnerable
  209. Wander
  210. Warm
  211. Wellness
  212. Wholehearted
  213. Why
  214. Wild
  215. Wish
  216. Wonder
  217. Work
  218. Worth
  219. Yes
  220. Zest

What’s your 2022 word of the year, and how do you intend to use it?
I’d love to hear about your choice in the comments section below.

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