Choosing Simplicity as My Word of the Year

Every year, as the calendar resets, many of us are tempted to create long lists of resolutions—dreams and goals we hope to accomplish. I’ve been there, pen in hand, scribbling ideas faster than I can think them through. But this year, I’ve decided to take a different approach. Instead of an overwhelming list of resolutions, I’ve chosen one guiding word: Simplicity.

Simplicity doesn’t mean cutting corners or doing less for the sake of it. To me, it’s about focusing on what truly matters, clearing the clutter—both physical and mental—and creating space for what brings joy and fulfillment. It’s about finding clarity in the chaos and making intentional decisions that align with my values.

Choosing a Word of the Year has become a popular practice, and for good reason. A single word acts as a compass, guiding your choices and keeping you anchored. It’s less about achieving specific milestones and more about cultivating a mindset or theme for the year.

But here’s the twist: I’m also embracing the idea of monthly focus words. Each month, I’ll select a word or phrase that aligns with my overarching theme of Simplicity but allows me to concentrate on a specific area of life. By breaking down my intentions into manageable pieces, I hope to stay focused and avoid the burnout that comes with trying to tackle too much at once.

Here’s how I’m structuring my year:

• January: Refresh and Renew—A fresh start to clear away the old and welcome the new. This month, I’ll focus on rejuvenating my space and mindset.
• February: Self-Care—A time to prioritize myself and ensure my emotional and physical well-being are at the forefront.
• March: Finances—Simplifying budgets, tackling financial goals, and creating clarity around money matters.
• April: Advocate—Speaking up for myself and others, setting boundaries, and championing causes that matter.
• May: Mental Health—Focusing on mindfulness, therapy, and practices that support emotional resilience.
• June: Create—Dedicating time to creativity, whether it’s writing, crafting, or other artistic pursuits.
• July: Celebrate—Recognizing achievements, big or small, and finding joy in the everyday.
• August: Health and Fitness—Building routines that support physical vitality and energy.
• September: Declutter—Simplifying my physical and digital spaces to create room for what matters.
• October: Explore—Trying new things, visiting new places, and embracing curiosity.
• November: Connect—Strengthening relationships with loved ones and building community.
• December: Plan and Prepare—Looking ahead to the future, setting intentions for the next year, and organizing for success.

This approach feels right for me because it allows for:

1. Focus and Clarity: Instead of juggling multiple goals at once, I’m channeling my energy into one area at a time. This allows me to make meaningful progress without feeling scattered.
2. Adaptability: Life is unpredictable, and what feels important in January might shift by June. Having a monthly focus gives me the freedom to reassess and realign.
3. Celebrating Small Wins: Each month’s focus word becomes a mini journey. At the end of the month, I can look back and celebrate the progress I’ve made, no matter how small.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea of New Year’s resolutions, I encourage you to try this approach. Start by choosing your Word of the Year—something that resonates deeply with you and reflects the energy or mindset you want to cultivate. Then, think about how you can break it down into monthly themes. What areas of your life could benefit from focused attention? How can you align these themes with your broader goals?

For me, Simplicity is about creating a life that feels light and intentional. By choosing a word or phrase for each month, I hope to bring this vision to life, one step at a time. Here’s to a year of clarity, purpose, and meaningful progress—one word at a time. Take a look back at my previous year’s picks.

What word are you choosing this year?