2026 Word of the Year: Unhurried

For many years now, I have chosen a word of the year as a guide for my intentions and purpose. A word of the year keeps me grounded and committed to a big thought for the year. It’s a tool that many people are adopting instead of new year resolutions. I love sharing this word annually here.

My Word of the Year: Unhurried

“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” 

Anne Lamont

The pace of life is one that requires you to do your best on a moment’s notice. This year, I want to take time to notice the small and big things, do my best work, and have time for the most precious people all around me. My word of the year is unhurried.  

These synonyms capture the essence of my word of the year.

• Leisurely: Done without haste.
• Deliberate: Slow and careful.
• Measured: Thoughtful and steady.
• Easygoing: Relaxed in manner or pace.
• Methodical: Orderly and systematic. 

When you are working at what you consider full capacity and velocity, there are times you are moving too quickly. You might have missed a moment of conversation at the store that could have meant so much to you or the person in your conversation because of the need to get on to the next thing. You might not savored a beautiful sunrise or sunset to get started on the next task. This year, I want to be able to spend time deliberately and leisurely on priorities.

How to choose a Word of the Year

Picking a word of the year can bring clarity and focus to who we want to become and what we want to accomplish in life. A carefully chosen word is a type of guidepost to help us stay motivated as we move toward our goals throughout the year. Take time to reflect on what you want more of or less of in your life this year. It can be about professional or personal growth, global or specific.  I typically begin thinking in December of my word and wrap up in early January. Give yourself time to choose your word.

• Pay attention to what you are paying attention to, says Adam Grant and John Green. What have you been saying to yourself that you need to do more or less of? Where have you been spending time, or need to spend time?
• According to Inc writer Minda Zetlin, ask yourself these questions: What do I need? What’s in my way? What has to go? What needs to be done in me and through me
• Try on several words of the year for a month. See how these fit with what you are prioritizing. Narrow your list of possibilities that have meaning to you. I usually narrow down to 2 or 3 words, then to my one word.

Once chosen, place your word where you can see it regularly to reflect on it and use it. That might be in your planner, on your bathroom mirror, or your computer desktop. Use it in your weekly planning as you review your tasks and the week ahead.

Check out all my Word of the Year posts here!