Part 2: How Choosing a Single Word and Affirmation Can Transform Your Focus and Intent

Last blog, we talked about that early-December slump and what it means to gather yourself for a strong finish. We reviewed our goals, tallied our unexpected wins, and began dreaming about what next year could look like. That dreaming set us up perfectly for the next step.

In this blog, we shift from dreaming to defining.

Every meaningful season of growth needs an anchor. Something simple but strong enough to steady you when life gets busy or noisy. I’ve found that choosing a single word, paired with an affirmation that brings it to life, becomes that anchor. It mirrors the “what” and “why” work we explore at the start of Break Up. Break In. Breakthrough! where clarity becomes the spark that fuels everything that follows.

This is one of my favorite activities each year. This single action of choosing my word for the year helps me focus my intent and serves as a filter. It brings incredible clarity and calm. I hope it will do the same for you!

📌Step 1: Choose Your Word for the Year

A single word is small enough to remember yet powerful enough to shape how you move through your days. It becomes your theme, the lens that helps you notice what deserves your best energy and what no longer fits this season of your life.

The simple act of choosing a word for the year becomes a chance to pause and pay attention. You might already feel a quiet pull toward something. Strength. Ease. Momentum. Space. Courage. Rest. Possibility.

Give yourself a moment and ask:
What do I want this year to feel like, and why does that matter to me now?

My word for 2026 is REACH. I'm going to focus on reaching out, reaching toward new things that push me out of my comfort zone, and reaching for stretch goals that help me grow.

📌 Step 2: Write the Affirmation That Brings Your Word to Life

Your word points you in a direction.
Your affirmation gives that direction purpose and meaning.

In my book, I talk about how important it is to be able to articulate the deeper reason behind what you want to achieve. That clarity becomes the difference between slowing down at the first sign of difficulty and choosing to stay connected to your purpose when things get uncomfortable.

Your affirmation becomes the steadying phrase you can return to throughout the day, week, and year. Something that helps you re-center when your energy dips or doubts try to take the lead.

Once your affirmation feels true and alive to you, write it somewhere you’ll see it daily. The goal is to memorize it so you can access it easily throughout the day and truly use it to guide your decisions, behaviors, and actions.

📌 Step 3: Let Your Word and Affirmation Shape How You Enter 2026

You’re now holding the beginning of your 2026 theme. This is the foundation that supports everything else you’ll plan and pursue next year.

Next blog in our prep series, we’ll take our theme and translate it into a practical structure for your goals. Nothing overwhelming. Just clear, thoughtful scaffolding that supports what you want to build in the year ahead.

If you want to explore your “what” and “why” even more deeply, you can download additional resources at jennlandis.com/yourbreakthroughguide.

So, what is your word and affirmation this year?

Take a moment to reflect, write them down, and let them guide your next season with clarity and care.