What is Your Word of the Year for 2026?

"I've never been great at forcing a Word of the Year right on January 1," writes SPARC Senior Advisor Karen McCann McClelland in a recent post on SPARC Connect. "For me, a word (or phrase) usually shows up quietly--after some travel, a cleaned-up desk, a few meaningful conversations, and space to reflect."

Auxiliary professionals are often pulled in many directions, engaged with finances, staff, programs, school leaderships, families, and more.  Last year we shared how SPARC members were choosing words to help them stay focused on the goals that were most significant to them, whether professional, personal, or both.

The reasons to choose your own word are simple, but impactful:

• Simplicity & Focus – A single word or prhase is easy to remember and keeps you grounded. 
• Flexibility – Life is unpredictable, but your word can evolve with you. 
• Self-Reflection – The process encourages you to ask: What do I really need?
• Intentionality – It helps you make decisions that align with your values.
• Growth – Your word becomes a theme for how you show up in the world.

Rather than choosing a word, some of us wait for a word to find us. Like Karen says, it can reveal itself once we "slow down enough to notice what keeps repeating."

What she discovered is that not one, but three words kept coming up: momentum, opportunity, and adventure. 

Momentum: "because there's meaningful work already in motion, & I want to honor what's being built"

Opportunity: "because this feels like a year to notice what's opening up & choose thoughtfully"

Adventure: "because growth, at this stage, should still feel curious, expansive, and a little bold"

Fellow SPARC Senior Advisor Bob Rojee chose the word kaizen, a Japanese word that "reflects a commitment to growth that is intentional, disciplined, and sustainable." Bob says that this word keeps him focused on "showing up with greater intention and improving habits without judgment" while professionally it "reinforces the belief that strong organizations and effective leadership are built through ongoing refinement--clearer processes, better questions, and steady follow-through."

Others who commented included Shannon, who chose three words as her guides: "Alignment with my values: freedom, levity, inclusion, access, trust, family, and structure. Intention in my choices and reactions. Liberation from certainty and oppressive systems."

Jane chose one word--community--"both those you are a part of and the ones your create/facilitate." 

Will you be choosing a word for 2026? Check out Karen's SPARC Connect post for ideas and inspiration!

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