Why My Word for 2026 Is “Do”
When life is hectic, I prefer to have a north star rather than another to-do list.
In 2015, I stumbled upon a concept that suggests choosing one word as your focus for the entire year, and this is now my 11th year practising it. I keep it on my phone so I can easily find it when I lose my way.
Last January, I had a welcome bout of optimism despite being deep in the trenches with my husband as he battled stage 4 cancer, and chose the word "Prosper" for 2025.
(The year prior, following Paul's diagnosis and the rapid deterioration of his health, I chose the word "Courage" for 2024.)
However, friends, 2025 had other ideas.
It did not deliver on my dreams of prospering with Kassette. We went from one complication to the next, personally and professionally, feeling at times like we were making some ground, only for there to be a massive pushback from the universe each time. It was relentless.
I had such high hopes to launch my first Kassette collection last year; however, caring responsibilities and family had to come first. There wasn't really much brain space left for anything else.
After a gruelling year of multiple treatments followed by surgery and a deluge of post-op complications, we had a beautiful Christmas miracle when Paul's scans came back clear. And so, for the first time in a long time, I have been able to wander about what my "what's next? "is going to look like.
So, for 2026, I have chosen the word "Do".
Not "think about", or "dream", or "plan".
Just "Do".
If I am not creating or shipping, then I am not doing. And I will give myself a clip around the ear when I notice it happening.
I look forward to doing my best work in 2026.
Thank you to my friends over the last few weeks who have been helping me steady the ship and clear a path forward. You know who you are.
Until next time.
Stay curious,
Sharon
[ A PARTING NOTE: I would wholeheartedly recommend choosing a word for the year. It’s an anchor you can display anywhere you like, and because it’s one word, it requires some thoughtful introspection to carry you through the year.
When life is hectic, I prefer to have a north star rather than another to-do list. ]
Sign up for The Mixtape - brainfood for creatives and curious minds - and you will receive a link to my FREE 5 Day Creative Reboot in your Substack welcome email.
📌 PS - If you found this post helpful, would you consider restacking it and sharing it with your audience?
This spreads the word and keeps me writing content that will help you discover fresh ideas and turn them into something real. 🙏
Thanks for reading The Mixtape!
This post is public, so feel free to share it.
Do you have a word for the year? I’d love to know what it is.