My word for 2026 is steady. Not flashy. Not particularly exciting. But that's kind of the point.
Key Takeaways: My Word For 2026 Is Steady
- Steady Commitment: Showing up for what matters even when it stops being exciting.
- Consistency Wins: Steady, everyday effort beats those random bursts of motivation.
- Daily Progress: 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.
40 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.
ReplyDeleteHello!! Thank you for somehow finding my blog and leaving a comment so I could find YOU. Steady is a wonderful goal and WOTY. I could easily adopt that word, too. And found myself saying 'yes' to all the things you hope to become more consistent with. I always have high expectations that don't always pan out. Anxious to get to know you in the new year!!
ReplyDeleteSteady is a great word for the year.
ReplyDeletesounds like a great plan for 2026...off to yoga :-))
ReplyDeleteWe have a saying here, 'steady Eddie', you have probably heard of it.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year and take care.
You've chosen a good word for this year.
ReplyDeleteWe always say that rest, cleanliness, and regularity are the three most important things in life.
Best regards Irma
Good advices !
ReplyDeleteThanks for your visit !
Have a lovely week !
Anna
Steady is a good word. I wish you all the best in 2026, a happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteTake care, have a great day and happy week ahead.
Thank you for sharing your word and your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteGood wishes for 2026.
All the best Jan
That is a wonderful word of the year and I love all the different applications you've already found.
ReplyDeleteI love this word. It's a very solid, good one and I like the goals and interpretation you have put on the word to follow throughout th year. I'm still trying to pick one! And thanks for stopping by the other day, too!
ReplyDeleteThat is a great word to try to live by! I don't really have a word for the year but this year I have devoted to growing my faith and trusting more in God.
ReplyDeleteIn a world of what seems to be constant chaos, steady is the word I think we all need for 2026. Good luck with what you are planning to accomplish. Even if you don't, just the act of maintaining the Steady will enrich your life. Alana ramblinwitham.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful word for the year.
ReplyDeletersrue.blogspot.com
Such a great intention! xx
ReplyDeleteDanielle’s Beauty Blog
Steady works for me. Calm and steady would be good too.
ReplyDeleteSteady is a great word. I was not going to do one this year as I am reading a book that basically assigns you a word a week...but "intention" found me and will also be my word for the year. I have done intentional before, so I must need it again, LOL!
ReplyDeleteSteady is a fantastic word!
ReplyDeleteI chose Love.
I say yes to all of that! Steady is the way to go
ReplyDeleteI like your word of the year. Last year my word was anchored which I think is related to steady. I haven't settled on a word for this year. I don't think steady is necessarily boring and I appreciate those who remain steady when the world is topsy turvy.
ReplyDeleteGreat word! It kind of goes hand in hand with my goal of just having consistency in life this year.
ReplyDeleteSteady is such a great word of the year! Love it!
ReplyDeleteMy word for the year is Still....Stillness. "Be Still and Know that I am God". I am craving this in my life. Great post with a very nice word for the year.
ReplyDeleteit's so importante be steady in our life!
ReplyDeleteBjxxx,
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I read an interview with a billionaire once and the interviewer asked what his advice was to those trying to build a fortune. He quoted the story of the tortoise and the hare. Slow and steady. A little at a time. That's the wealth of a life well lived -- the accumulation of small, consistent efforts over time.
ReplyDeleteExcellent choice of word. It is good to be steady.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great word for 2026! I love your reasons for choosing it and how you see it playing out in the various areas of your life. My word this year is Leap. :D
ReplyDeleteThat is such a beautiful word! Steady. I like it a lot. I hope life will be steady this year.
ReplyDeleteSteady is such a perfect word for 2026. My word for the year is intention, but along the way I've included simplicity and I'll definitely be adding steady as well. Wishing you a happy, healthy, and successful year!
ReplyDeleteI think 'steady' is an excellent choice. I have two words for 2026 - AMBITION and ADVENTURE. Happy 2026!
ReplyDeleteSteady does sound like the perfect word to have for 2026. Being consistent in all aspects of life is a good idea.
ReplyDeleteI've never heard anyone use that word before as a word of the year, but it makes so much sense! It's a great, well-thought-out word and I love your reasoning behind it.
ReplyDeleteKeeping your world steady will bring you great happiness and good health in 2026.
ReplyDelete