Despise New Year's resolutions? Try this instead
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Illustration: Lindsey Bailey/Axios
Instead of resolving to overhaul your life on Jan. 1, author and happiness expert Gretchen Rubin recommends another approach: Choosing a theme word to guide your year.
Why it matters: Even if you're not into setting resolutions — probably because they don't often stick — "there's something auspicious about a new year," Rubin tells Axios.
- So the start of 2026 is as good a time as any to move toward a happier, healthier or more creative next phase of life.
- One aphorism Rubin lives by: "Something that can happen at any time sometimes occurs at no time."
How it works: Think about what you want out of the upcoming year, and select a theme that feels significant and motivating to you.
- Brainstorm 10-15 words or phrases, including options that sound powerful, whimsical and have multiple meanings.
- Optional: Once you find one that resonates, distill it into a visual symbol that can be put on a bulletin board or a mug — or that could pop up sporadically throughout the week.
For example, last year Rubin's sister used the word "bounce," as in bounce back.
- "That's an active, energetic, almost-goofy word, but it captured the idea of resilience in a much more energetic and fun way," Rubin says. Her sister's symbol: kangaroo.
This year, Rubin's theme is "neighbor."
- She realizes there are many opportunities for connection in New York City — a place she's lived for 20 years — while walking dogs or going to local stores. "We all share so much, and we need to clasp hands across differences," she says.
- Her symbol (which could change): clasped hands. A cardigan and cup of sugar were also in the running.
Yes, but: If you actually want to accomplish a specific goal next year, you need to make a resolution that's "concrete and actionable" for it to stick, Rubin says. "It has to be something where you know if you did it or not."
- Want to be more physically active? Don't go into the new year saying, "I'm going to start exercising."
- Instead, say you're going to walk 20 minutes a day, do yoga classes three times a week or hike 50 new trails, she says.
Carly's thought bubble: Two years ago, my new-year phrase was "pregnant pause." I wanted to do a better job of living in the present — and also, I was expecting.
- Announcing my theme word at the start of the year (I did a "wheel of intentions" practice with friends) is how I shared my baby news.
I'm still deciding on my 2026 word.
