What if choosing a word could help guide your year, your decisions, and your actions? In this episode, I share one of my favorite year-end traditions: choosing a word of the year. It’s become a personal practice that serves as an aspirational anchor, something I can return to when faced with decisions and opportunities throughout the year.
I’ll reflect on how my 2025 word, “breakthrough,” manifested in both small and meaningful ways personally and professionally, and how breakthroughs don’t always have to be dramatic to be impactful. You’ll learn how to choose your own word for 2026, along with a companion word that complements your aspirational choice. This approach helps ensure you remain grounded in your journey, even when things don’t go according to plan.
You’ll also hear the word I’ve chosen for 2026 and what it means to me. Whether you’ve chosen a word before or are new to the practice, I’ll walk you through how to select a word that resonates with your goals, and I’ll share why pairing that word with a companion word helps you embrace the full experience of the year ahead.
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What You’ll Learn from this Episode:
- How to choose a word that will guide your decisions and actions throughout the year.
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Why selecting a companion word can enhance your ability to embody your aspirational word.
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The difference between external breakthroughs and internal shifts.
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How to recognize the power of cherishing versus just appreciating what’s around you.
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Practical examples of words and how to know which one is right for you.
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Why presence serves as the foundation for fully embracing your chosen word.
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A simple exercise to narrow down your word choices and discover which one resonates most strongly.
Listen to the Full Episode:
Featured on the Show:
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Episodes Related to Word of the Year:
- Ep #136: Sustainable Success in the New Year
- Ep #137: A Business Plan for Lawyers
- Ep #186: Designing Your Breakthrough Year
- Ep #188: Your Year, in a Word
- Ep #223: 3 Life (and Career) Lessons From My Trip to Paris
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