What’s Your Word for 2026? (And Are You Ready for It?)
We’re officially in the last stretch of the year, which always feels like a weird mix of chaos and reflection. The to-do lists are endless, the kids are feral, the calendar is full—and yet this is when my brain starts whispering:
Okay, but what are we doing next year?
For the last few years, I’ve chosen a Word of the Year as a way to anchor myself and my author business. I also make a vision board to go with it (I’ll be working on my new one soon), and it has become one of my favorite rituals.
Do you do vision boards? Word of the year? Both? Neither?
If you don’t, this might be your sign to try.
My Words: Growth, Intentional, Soar
Back in 2024, when I finally decided I was going to get serious about my author business, my word was Growth.
In 2025, that shifted to Intentional.
For 2026, my word is Soar.
That sounds neat and tidy written out like that, but let me be completely honest: I published my first book almost five years ago. It took me a long time to even figure out what I wanted out of this career.
And during that time, life was…a lot.
We moved out of the state of Colorado and then back to Colorado.
We rescued pets and lost pets.
We lost jobs.
COVID and the government shutdown wrecked our lifestyle. My husband lost his job during COVID and again during the shutdown.
We built (and are still building) our trash company.
We had two children.
My husband had a major surgery. I had shoulder surgery on my left side.
The first two years after both of my kids? I was an unproductive hot mess. I’ve written about this before, but it bears repeating: my brain was not capable of more than just writing.
I wasn’t really marketing.
I wasn’t keeping my website updated.
Socials were sporadic at best.
There was so much I wanted to do, but I simply couldn’t.
Now, I’m still running a business. I’m still a mom. We still have animals everywhere over here. My husband is still technically unemployed but runs our trash company. I work part-time for a non-profit. I homeschool.
I am not less busy.
But my kids are 7 and 3 now, and mentally (post-postpartum), I’m in a much more stable place. Most days, I’ve found my footing. There’s still chaos—of course—but I’m better equipped to handle it.
That’s why Soar finally feels possible.
Some goals, no matter how badly we want them, take time.
Not just time to put in the work—but time to be mentally ready to accept all the good things we’re asking for.
So I want to ask you:
What is your word for 2026?
Are you at the beginning of your journey with a word like Growth…
or are you at a place where you’re giving yourself permission to Soar?
Vision Boards, Readiness, and Learning When You’re Able
This is where vision boards come in for me.
When I choose a word, I build a vision board around it. Images, quotes, little visual reminders of what that word means in my actual life—not just in my “someday fantasy” life.
And here’s the thing: being ready doesn’t always happen on January 1st when you pick the word. Sometimes the word sits there quietly while life does what life does.
Then one day, you realize you’re finally in a place where you can act on it.
A small example: I’ve used Vellum for over five years. I thought I knew it pretty well. Only when I was formatting Heart of a Killer did I realize how much more it could actually do.
Why? Because I finally had the mental space to dig deeper—watch YouTube tutorials, research features, experiment. I had a special book I wanted to pour extra time into, and I was ready to level up that part of my process.
That’s what readiness often looks like. Not “suddenly capable,” but finally having the bandwidth to learn, experiment, and grow.
Are You Ready for Your Word? Questions to Ask Yourself
If you’re thinking about your word for 2026 (or just wondering if you’re ready to push toward bigger goals), here are some things I recommend evaluating.
1. Does Your Life Feel Mostly Manageable?
I’m not talking about having a perfect routine or a spotless house. I mean:
Do you feel mostly okay about your house, kids, job, and basic day-to-day responsibilities?
Does life feel manageable—even if it’s busy?
If the answer is no, then the real question is:
What can you remove from your plate?
If you haven’t made a YouTube video in months, it might be time to say goodbye to that for now. Free up the space in your brain and stop beating yourself up for not recording. You’re allowed to put things down.
2. Are You Touching Your Writing Somehow Most Days?
I’m not talking about 10k-word days.
If you jot a three-sentence idea in the notes app on your phone, you touched your writing.
If you’re not doing that, ask:
What inspires you right now?
Try:
short walks
music
free writing in a journal (not even about your story—just a brain dump)
Creativity uses a ton of brain power. If your brain is clogged with guilt, stress, and mental clutter, you have to clear some of that out so ideas can flow again.
3. Have You Tried Other Methods?
If you can’t sit and type, that doesn’t mean you’re done for the day.
Dictate on your way to work (I use Otter, but there are lots of apps).
Handwrite in a notebook.
Type on your phone instead of your laptop.
Shake up the method and see what happens. Sometimes a small logistical change unlocks a lot.
4. Are You Taking Care of Yourself (At Least a Little)?
Full honesty: I suck at this. I’m very inconsistent, and I pour most of my consistency into writing instead. Don’t be like me—spread that consistency around. 😅
Things that genuinely help:
Moving your body (doesn’t have to be intense, just move)
Showering and getting ready—people really are more productive when they feel decent
Eating something other than candy
Drinking water instead of surviving purely on coffee
When I’m moving my body, drinking water, and eating somewhat healthier, I have more energy and don’t struggle as much to get out of bed. You don’t have to diet or be extreme—just do things that fuel your brain and keep your body mobile. It matters more than we want to admit.
5. Are You Tying Progress to Fun Rewards?
When I was first starting out, I used to bribe myself in tiny ways:
If you finish this chapter, you can watch an episode of “Bones.”
If you hit this word count, you can go get a coffee or that little thing you’ve been eyeing.
When I finished the Grand Mesa books and the Soul Jumper anniversary editions, I bought myself a new laptop. Those books took me four years. I was proud of myself, and I wanted to start the Ashenheart series with something that wasn’t half broken.
Your reward doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive. Just pick something that makes you smile and say, “When I’m done, I get this.” It trains your brain to associate finishing with good things.
You Don’t Have to Start on January 1st
You can start anytime.
If you pick your word and make your vision board in the middle of June, that’s still valid. You don’t need the calendar’s permission to grow.
The end of the year naturally makes it easier to think about goals—take advantage of that. But if you catch yourself dreaming and planning in the middle of the year, don’t shut it down just because it’s not “the right time.”
My Focus (and What I’m Letting Go Of)
Here’s what I know I want to focus on in 2026:
More in-person events and signings
Sticking to my publishing plan (it’s a big one)
Showing up on Instagram, TikTok, and my website/blog
And here’s what I’m letting go of (for now):
All other socials. If something cross-posts, cool—but they’re not getting my energy.
Re-doing things. Soul Jumper’s anniversary editions were fun and I’m glad I did them, but 2026 is about new books.
Freelance editing. I paused this months ago because I didn’t have the time to edit for other authors. I’d love to come back to it in the future, but 2026 isn’t that season.
For the first time, I’m being extremely realistic about what I’m capable of doing—and that feels like the most “intentional” thing I’ve ever done.
Your Turn: What’s Your Word?
So, here’s your prompt for today:
What is your word for 2026?
What are you focusing on next year?
What are you letting go of?
Are you in a Growth season? An Intentional one? Are you finally giving yourself permission to Soar?
I truly wish you all the best as this year comes to a close. If you need to talk any of this out or just want to share your word with someone who gets it, my email is always open:
I’d love to hear where you are in your journey—and what you’re dreaming up for 2026.
