Start With Your Why: Reflect, Visualize, Create Your Word of the Year

Different dictionary publishers have their own ways of picking a “Word of the Year.” Some analyze billions of words from books, articles, and social media. Others look at what people are searching for online. Whatever the method, these words have become cultural moments, sparking conversations and capturing the energy of the year. Before you chase goals, set resolutions, or try to reinvent your entire routine, take a moment to focus on your why. Your why is the heartbeat behind every decision you make. It is the reason you show up, the motivation behind your growth, and the foundation for the life you want to build. When you know your why, choosing your Word of the Year becomes more than a trend. It becomes a tool. A guide. A clear reminder of what matters most to you in both your personal and professional life.

 Here is a simple process to help you find your word by starting with your why.

1. REFLECT

Your why usually reveals itself when you slow down long enough to notice what is working and what is not. Grab a notebook or your Notes app on your phone and ask yourself:

• What do I want more of in my life?
• What do I want less of?
• What actually worked well for me last year?
• What areas of my life need attention, support, or improvement?

Write freely. No pressure. No performance. Reflection makes your patterns visible and your needs clear.

2. VISUALIZE

Now that you understand your why and where you have been, look toward where you want to go. Ask yourself:

• Who do I want to be this year?
• What do I want my life to look like on a regular day, not just a perfect day?
• How do I want to feel at home and at work?
• What do I want to prioritize more often?
• What does success look like for me, not for everyone else?

Close your eyes and picture it. See the version of yourself who has already stepped into that life.
How do they move? What do they say yes to? What do they say no to? Visualization makes your goals feel real and reachable.

3. CREATE

With your why clear and your future visualized, begin brainstorming words that match the direction you feel pulled toward. Write down any words that come to mind. There are no wrong ideas. Some words might be bold and active like GROW, LEAP, CREATE, or PLAY. Others might be grounding and steady like PEACE, BALANCE, HOME, or FAMILY. Let your pen move freely. This is exploration, not perfection. Soon, one word will start to feel like your anchor. It will feel aligned with your why and supportive of the year you want to shape.

Your Word of the Year is not a rule. It is a reminder of your why. It guides your choices. It focuses your energy. It helps you return to what matters when life gets loud. If you are tired of feeling like you are drowning in the sameness of everyday life, then it might be time to step out of the routine and give yourself real space to breathe, think, and reconnect with your why. The Stacked Intent Rediscover Your Intentional Self Retreat is the perfect place to do exactly that. It is a powerful pause. A reset. A chance to get out of your everyday swirl and step into a supportive, energizing environment where you can reflect deeply, regain clarity, and begin again with intention.

If you are ready to find your why and finally start living it, a retreat is the perfect place to begin.