{"id":12027,"date":"2025-12-04T19:40:52","date_gmt":"2025-12-04T23:40:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/choosing-a-one-word-theme-for-2026\/"},"modified":"2025-12-04T19:40:52","modified_gmt":"2025-12-04T23:40:52","slug":"choosing-a-one-word-theme-for-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/choosing-a-one-word-theme-for-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Choosing a one-word theme for 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

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As the new year approaches, many people feel the familiar pull to set goals or create resolutions. But while resolutions are popular, research shows that for many people, they’re not particularly effective. <\/span><\/p>\n

There’s a simpler, more flexible (and more fun) approach I like to use as I consider how I want to shape the year to come: the one-word theme.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is a one-word theme?<\/b><\/h2>\n

A one-word theme is just what it sounds like: a single word or short phrase that serves as a guiding principle for the year. It’s a concept that will help guide your decisions and notice opportunities.<\/span><\/p>\n

Unlike traditional resolutions, a theme is imaginative and adaptable. It\u2019s about direction, rather than success or failure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Why choose a one-word theme?<\/b><\/h2>\n

A one-word theme is short and simple enough to stick in our minds, even on busy days, yet rich enough to apply to work, relationships, health, and creativity. For instance, a theme like \u201cOpen\u201d might remind you to stay receptive to new experiences, keep an open mind in conversations, or literally open your home to others more often.<\/span><\/p>\n

The right word can even reveal new meanings as the year progresses.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

My one-word theme for 2026<\/b><\/h2>\n

This year, I chose the word “Neighbor.” I want to draw closer to the people around me–in the blocks around my apartment, in my city, and in my country. I want to put out a welcome mat; I want to lend a cup of sugar to someone who needs it; I want to engage more warmly with the people around me; I want to reach out across differences with neighborly warmth.<\/p>\n

Tips for choosing your word<\/b><\/h2>\n

Good ideas can come from anywhere. For me, it felt like the word “Neighbor” suddenly jumped out at me–so during my recent review of previous years’ “Design Your Year” materials, I was startled to realize that I’d added “Neighbor” as a second theme in 2024. Clearly, this aim has been on my mind for a long time.<\/span><\/p>\n

A few questions you might ask yourself:<\/span><\/p>\n