One Word That Can Change Your Year, Why LESS Might Be the Most Powerful Choice for 2026
A few years ago, as one year was winding down and another was approaching, I stumbled into a podcast episode completely by accident. Podcasts are not usually my thing when I am driving, but something about this one made me stay.
At one point, the host asked the guest a simple but powerful question:
“I know you do not do New Year’s resolutions, but you choose one word every year. Why, and what is your word for next year?”
The guest explained that her word was courage. She planned to engrave it on something she could see every day as a reminder to lead with courage in everything she was about to take on in the coming year. As she listed her goals, it became clear that if she leaned into that single word, the year had the potential to be transformative.
That idea stuck with me. So, I decided to try it myself.
The Power of Choosing One Word
The first year I adopted this practice, my word was Balance. At the time, it felt like the missing link between being good and becoming great. My sleep habits were rough, and that lack of balance affected everything, from training and recovery to mental focus and overall health.
Focusing on balance quickly spilled into every area of my life. Training and recovery improved. Physical and mental health became more aligned. Even my approach to work and rest started to shift. One word gave structure to dozens of decisions.
This year, 2025, my word became Believe.
Everything I worked toward this year started with belief, belief that something was possible, and belief that I was capable of achieving it. One of my goals was not just to compete at the world championships, but to win. That does not happen without genuine belief.
Interestingly, during this year, there were moments when I felt the need to revisit Balance. I would take off my Believe necklace and put the Balance one back on. That experience taught me something important: different seasons call for different anchors, and each word serves its purpose.
Why My Word for 2026 is LESS
As 2025 started coming to a close, I began thinking about what I wanted my word for 2026 to be. Nothing stood out immediately. Then, a few hours later, I saw a post on Instagram, and within seconds, I knew exactly what my word was going to be.
For me, 2026 is about LESS.
Less does not mean doing less of what matters. It means removing what distracts, drains, and dilutes focus so more energy can go where it counts.
Here is what LESS looks like for me:
- LESS screen time, more being present where my feet are planted
- LESS all-or-nothing thinking, more balance
- LESS wanting, more gratitude for what I already have
- LESS multitasking, more presence
- LESS excuses, more discipline and accountability
- LESS fear, more faith
- LESS randomness, more intention
- LESS criticism, more appreciation
- LESS chaos, more control
And honestly, the list could keep going.
LESS is not about restriction. It is about clarity. It is about choosing what truly moves the needle and letting go of everything else.
Your Turn: What Is Your One Word?
One word can guide your decisions, shape your habits, and act as an anchor when life feels noisy or overwhelming. It is simple, but it is powerful.
So here is the question worth sitting with:
What is the one word you could anchor your life to that would make 2026 your best year yet?
If you are on Instagram or Facebook, find me and leave a comment with your word. I would love to see what you choose.
Here is to clarity, intention, and making 2026 a year that actually feels different, in the best possible way.