New Year, New Focus: Resolutions and Choosing Your Word of the Year

Every year, many of us set lofty New Year’s resolutions ... promising to overhaul our routines, start new habits, and reach big goals. While ambitious intentions are admirable, changing everything all at once can quickly lead to burnout and frustration. That’s why this year, instead of trying to do it all, consider a more focused, sustainable approach: starting small and choosing a word of the year to guide you.

Start Small to Achieve Big Goals

When it comes to resolutions, less is often more. Instead of trying to completely transform your life overnight, break your goals into smaller, attainable steps. For example:

• Instead of saying, “I’m going to run every day,” start with two or three days a week.
  
  
• If your goal is to declutter your home, tackle one room or one category of items at a time.
  
  
• For financial goals, focus on one savings habit each month rather than overhauling your entire budget at once.
  
  

Small wins build momentum. They give you confidence and help you stay consistent, which is far more effective than an all-or-nothing approach.

Avoid Burnout

One of the biggest reasons resolutions fail is that we try to do too much, too quickly. Burnout can make you feel like giving up entirely, even on goals you truly care about. By setting realistic, incremental goals, you can maintain motivation and create habits that stick long after January ends.

The Power of a Word of the Year

Instead of a long list of resolutions, many people find it helpful to pick a single word for the year. A word that captures your focus, intention, or mindset for the months ahead. Examples might include:

• Focus – for staying on track with priorities.
  
  
• Growth – for personal or professional development.
  
  
• Balance – for creating more harmony in work, family, and self-care.
  
  

A word of the year acts as a constant reminder of your intention. It’s something to keep in the back of your mind, helping you make decisions and take actions that align with your bigger goals every day.

Putting It All Together

• Choose one meaningful word that inspires you.
  
  
• Identify 2–3 small, attainable goals that align with that word.
  
  
• Celebrate the small wins along the way.
  
  
• Adjust as needed — flexibility is part of the process.
  
  

By focusing on progress over perfection, and using a guiding word to keep you centered, you’ll be far more likely to reach your goals and build habits that last beyond the first few weeks of January.

At The Mateyoke Group, we love starting the year with intention, both in our personal lives and in helping clients achieve their real estate goals. What’s your word of the year, and how will you make 2026 a year of meaningful progress?