Why Everyone’s Choosing a Word of the Year for 2026 – and How to Find Yours
The New Year often arrives wrapped in pressure, long lists of resolutions, ambitious promises and that familiar feeling that by February, most of it will have slipped away. But as we move into 2026, a growing number of people are choosing something far simpler, more intentional and far more sustainable: a single guiding word.
Rather than setting rigid goals, people are embracing a personal “North Star” – one word that captures how they want to feel, who they want to become, and the energy they want to carry into the year.
This year, PRYA, in partnership with mindset coach Victoria Jackson, is inviting you to simplify your New Year rituals by choosing your own guiding word for 2026. This shift is about clarity over complexity, and alignment over achievement.
Why a Word of the Year Is Replacing Traditional Resolutions
Victoria Jackson, Certified Coach, Manifestation Guide, and Founder of The Collective Membership, explains why intention-setting has more impact than traditional resolutions:
“The start of a new year carries such a beautiful energetic quality, it’s a clean slate, full of possibility, and the ideal time to reset. But rather than setting resolutions that fade by February, I prefer to set intentions, because intentions are rooted in identity. They anchor you into the feeling of the life you’re creating, rather than the pressure of perfectly achieving a goal.”
Intentions aren’t about hitting targets – they’re about becoming.
Victoria shares an example:
“Your intention for 2026 could be around connection — moving off your phone and into real life, making monthly plans with friends, hosting more, or attending events. Rather than one specific goal, you’re using a word as your North Star to guide you through the year.”
She encourages asking yourself powerful identity-shaping questions:
-
Who am I becoming?
-
How do I want to feel?
-
What version of me makes decisions this year?
Once you know this, habits, choices, and boundaries become easier and more aligned.
“Choosing one guiding word for the year creates a focus that resolutions simply can’t. Instead of juggling a list of goals, you choose an energetic direction – something you can return to when life feels noisy or overwhelming. Your word becomes a compass for the week, month, or year ahead.”
Six Tips to Manifest Your Word in 2026
Victoria shares six practical ways to bring your intentions to life:
-
Get radically clear on your vision: Write down what you’re calling in and why it matters. The more specific you are with the feeling and lifestyle behind the goal, the more guidance you give your subconscious mind.
-
Embody the version of you who already has it: Visualise your ‘Future You’ making decisions today. What habits do they have? How do they speak to themselves? Embodiment bridges the gap between where you are and where you’re going.
-
Take aligned micro-actions daily: Manifestation isn’t passive. One small step each day, sending that email, posting that content, applying for an opportunity, builds momentum, confidence, and evidence that strengthens belief.
-
Detach from the timeline, not the vision: Stay committed to the what, but release the when and how. Trust is magnetic; clinging to timing keeps you in lack.
-
Prioritise how you want to feel: Emotions reflect your energetic frequency. Supportive rituals like journalling, meditation, or EFT tapping help you stay aligned with the feeling of your desire.
-
Act like the opportunity is already on its way: Prepare your life for what you want: clear space, organise finances, and restructure your schedule. Creating room is a declaration of readiness.
PRYA’s Find Your Word Tool – Turn Your Intention into Jewellery
To help people embrace this reflective New Year ritual, PRYA has launched its Find Your Word tool, guiding you to uncover your personal word for 2026.
Once chosen, your word can be engraved onto a custom necklace or bracelet – transforming your intention into a daily, wearable reminder of who you are becoming.
Words can reflect:
-
your heritage
-
your faith
-
your interests
-
your aspirations
-
or explore translations that deepen personal meaning
PRYA’s in-house style director, Arwa Hassan, shares:
“Personalised jewellery has evolved far beyond initials and nameplates – it’s now about storytelling and self-expression. Our tool guides customers through the creative process, from choosing a word that inspires them to exploring translations that reflect their culture or values. We believe 2026 will see this movement grow even stronger, as people seek jewellery that feels deeply personal, not just beautiful.”
Whether your word is Devotion, Ease, Courage, Renewal, or Expansion, PRYA’s Find Your Word tool helps you discover the energy you want to embody, and wear it close to your heart all year long.