My word for 2026 is steady. Not flashy. Not particularly exciting. But that's kind of the point.
Key Takeaways
- Steady means showing up for what matters even when it stops being exciting
- Steady, everyday effort beats those random bursts of motivation
- Real progress happens in the unsexy daily work, not dramatic breakthrough moments
The last couple of years felt like I was just... bouncing from one thing to the next. Like every week was a different emergency, a new pivot, constantly reacting to whatever came at me.
I'm done with that.
So I chose my word for this year: steady.
It means stable, unshaking, secured. It also means constant, well-balanced, devoted.
What it means for me to be steady
I want to be the person who shows up consistently, even when it's not glamorous. The one who keeps going when things get boring or repetitive, because that's actually where progress happens.
Steady means doing the unsexy work that compounds over time. Not bailing when motivation fades (because it will). Trusting that small, consistent effort beats big, sporadic bursts every time. Being unwavering about the things that actually matter, even when shiny distractions pop up.
It's the daily walk, not the one marathon.
The weekly budget check, not the emergency financial overhaul. The steady relationship work, not the grand gesture that fixes everything.
Steady in My Daily Routine
This means being consistent in the routine I've built and love:
- Journaling first thing in the morning
- Early healthy breakfast
- Yoga or Pilates stretching
- Doing my morning skincare routine
- Settling into work with my ginger tea and dark chocolates
- A quick walk break with my husband
- Early dinner
- Watching a show together
- Reading until I fall asleep
It sounds simple because it is. But when you've been through turmoil and turbulence, this is a radical act of self-care.
And if you grew up in a chaotic or toxic environment, it's both peace and healing.
Steady with My Health
The same healthy foods that make me feel good. And yes, chips and sweets occasionally (my husband is a strict supervisor when it comes to my health, so I don't get them as often as I want 😒).
No dramatic diet overhauls. Just consistent, boring choices that work for me.
Steady with My Mental Health
I'm committing to regularly listening to more podcasts about mental health and marriage. Not in binges when I'm in crisis mode, but as a steady practice. Prevention over emergency response.
Steady in My Marriage
Showing up consistently for my spouse. The daily check-ins, the small acts of service, the intentional time together. Not waiting for problems to arise before I invest.
Steady in My Career
I'm steadily growing in my career.
I just enrolled in an SEO insider group, and I'm devouring every video tutorial. When my schedule permits, I attend the live calls. I love it and am learning a lot.
Then I share what I learned with the team and apply it in my work.
I know it sounds geeky, but keeping up with AI feels like an exciting game. Oh, this doesn't work anymore? What does? Let me try that. And when I see the results? Amazing. I love it.
I commit to being consistent in this learning and applying routine.
Steady with My Side Projects
Here's where I fell short on my goals from last year.
YouTube Channel
I abandoned the Sound Sleep Solutions channel to create a Catholic prayer channel. I work while playing prayer or song videos in the background, and I realized, hey, why don't I create these too?
So I did.
But I haven't been posting videos consistently. Thankfully, I still get steady comments on one of the prayer videos, and I'm consistently responding there.
I want to add more prayers. It's like giving back to a community that's been helping me spiritually.
Digital Products
I've collected adult coloring book pages and designs for book merch. I even created a print-on-demand account. But when to launch? That's been the question since 2024.
This year, I'm launching in the first quarter. Hold me accountable on that. 🤞
Shop my Coloring Books for Kids on Amazon
Steady with Travel and Experiences
Last year, I said I wasn't sure about traveling because it depends on logistics.
But I traveled far—crossed oceans and visited more cities and towns than I could count.
This year, I'm hoping for more of that. Just cities and towns though, because crossing continents is no fun.
Why Boring is Good
Steady is less reactive, more intentional. Less chaos, more rhythm.
Less "I'll start Monday," more "I'm already doing it."
Not reinventing myself. Not chasing the next big thing. Just being steadfast about what I said I'd do and actually following through.
Boring? Maybe. But I'm betting that's exactly what I need right now.
And when you feel the good change within and see the beautiful results, you'll realize that boring is actually fun.
Word for the Year
What about you? Do you still do resolutions or one-word intentions?
Here are some of my words from past years if you need ideas:
- 2025: Expand
- 2024: Elevate
- 2023: No
- 2020: Premium
- 2019: Milestone
- 2018: Spontaneous
- 2017: Winning
- 2016: Unorthodox
- 2015: Better
- 2014: More
May your 2026 be steady too
I sincerely want to see you get your breakthroughs, wins, and healing this year. Whatever word you choose—or even if you don't choose one—I hope you find your own version of steady.
8 comments
Hi, Lux!
ReplyDeleteSteady as she goes is a sane and sound one-word intention for 2026. Seems we spend too much of our time swinging the bat and trying to hit a home run into the upper deck when a solid and consistent series of singles would better ensure a successful outcome. "The Tortoise and the Hare" fable also comes to mind. May you achieve the desired results in all aspects of your life this year as you implement your plan to go the steady route.
I will be returning with my first post of the new year next Thursday, January 15, and invite you to join me at Shady's Place. Until then, have a wonderful weekend, dear friend Lux!
Steady sounds like a good plan for a healthy approach to life ! Here's to plenty of steadiness in 2026 ! :D
ReplyDeleteDear Lux, I prefer calm to chaos, so I am on the boring side! LOL! But I don't mind, it keeps me calm and focused.
ReplyDeleteDear friend, I have been having health issues (which I made an initial post about a week ago, but just made a more detailed update now), so my presence has been less frequent and I want you to know that I always appreciate your posts, as well as your friendship. Sending you much love and warm hugs.
What a great word you've chosen and I wish you well as you apply it to your life this year. It's been awhile since I've chased a word for the year.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of choosing a word for the New Year to keep in mind as a goal. "Steady" is a perfect word. Thanks for the inspiration.
ReplyDelete"Steady" is a wonderful word and goal for the upcoming year! Chaos and drama get real old, real quick. Plus they're exhausting and distracting. Steady is the way to go -- good for you!
ReplyDeleteYou sure have been busy and steady is a nice word for the year. I think you got this!
ReplyDeleteI love the word steady for 2026--it feels like we are on rough seas and need something stable to help us stay the course. A very good word choice.
ReplyDelete