Beyond Resolutions: Choosing a Creative ‘Word of the Year’

Happy New Year! As the calendar turns, the pressure to set grand, numerical resolutions can feel overwhelming – and often deflating by February. This year, I invite you to try a gentler, more powerful alternative: choose a Creative Word of the Year.

This isn’t a goal like “paint 20 canvases.” It’s a theme, an intention, a guiding light for your artistic choices. It’s a compass, not a rigid map. My word for 2025 was determination. I was determined that I would achieve several things during that time and I am delighted to report that I carried that word throughout the whole year.

My word for 2026 is awareness. I realise that I haven’t been as aware of peoples’ and businesses’ intentions over the past few years, stupidly thinking that people will treat me the way I would treat them. Sadly, in today’s society, not only is that not the case but peoples’ desire to tread over others to push themselves forward has been incredible. I had a few instances last year where people threw me under a bus, lied about who I am, and one delightful woman managed to persuade a group I was in that I should no longer be a member. I have no idea what it was all about and, frankly, if people can so easily be swayed, they are not my people, and I don’t care.

In 2026 I intend to be far more aware of these kinds of things happening. That probably means I will not be as generous with my time and knowledge, but I need to put myself first. That’s something I have not been great at in the past. If you are guilty of being too available for others, maybe 2026 should be your year of looking after yourself first?  

Why a Word Works
 A word is flexible. It can apply to your technique, your mindset, your business, and your play. It invites exploration rather than demanding a checkbox. When you feel lost or unsure, you can ask, “What would my word guide me to do right now?”

How to Find Your Word
 Look back at your 2025 review. What did you crave more of? What quality did your best work possess? Were you treated unfairly by others? What held you back? Let these reflections suggest a word.

• Did you feel rushed? Your word might be PRESENCE or SLOW.
• Did your work feel safe? Your word might be BOLD or RISK.
• Did you feel isolated? Your word might be CONNECT or SHARE.
• Did you lose the joy? Your word might be PLAY or JOY itself.
• Were you scattered? Your word might be FOCUS or DEPTH.
• Did people take you for granted? Your word might be CONSIDERED or CAREFUL.

Putting Your Word to Work
 Once you have your word, make it tangible. Write it in your diary. Paint it on a small canvas for your studio wall. Use it as a filter for your decisions.

• If your word is EXPLORE, you might try a new medium this quarter.
• If your word is FINISH, you might dedicate January to completing works-in-progress.
• If your word is STORY, you might focus on developing the narrative behind your next series.

Your word is a promise to your creative spirit. It’s not about judging your output, but about nurturing your input – the energy, curiosity, and mindset you bring to your practice and is about keeping you emotionally safe.

What will yours be? Share it with me if you feel comfortable. Let’s support each other in making this a year of intentional, joyful creation.

PS If one word is not enough, have a few, but four is probably the maximum you will be able to truly maintain.

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