what's your word of the year for 2026? (Podcast episode)
This week on the Jewellers Academy podcast, Jess and Anna Campbell explore their annual tradition of choosing a ‘Word of the Year’ as a gentler alternative to New Year’s resolutions. They reflect on the words they chose for 2025 and how the year lived up to them, before sharing their words for 2026 and what they hope for the year ahead. If you’re thinking about setting intentions for 2026, they also share simple guidance to help you choose a word that feels meaningful and supportive.
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Choosing your Word for 2026
New year’s resolutions are often broken within two weeks and are not for everyone. A few years ago we started choosing a Word of the Year instead. If you’d like to have a go, here are some ideas on where to start.
We suggest that you choose a simple, individual word or phrase that acts as an intention and sets a vibe for the year ahead. Be gentle with yourself when choosing and don’t overthinking it. A word may already be jumping out for you and if so - go with that! But if not, here are some words to read through. Very quickly notice any that feel good and write them down. It helps to narrow down your list before you ultimately choose. Remember, you could choose different words for different areas of your life as Jess does. She choose one for herself personally and one for the business.
Here are some words/ideas to get you thinking:
Grow
Expand
Celebrate
Make
Learn
Bigger
Confident
Peace
Enough
Centred
Minimise
Maximise
Upgrade
Free
Brave
Change
Commit
Consistent
Design
Decide
Direct
Focus
Balance
Grit
Horizon
Hope
Network
New
Nurture
Outcome
Possible
Purpose
Calm
Strong
Joy
Present
Pivot
Determined
Happy
See
Believe
Easy
Renewal
Love
Discipline
Bold
Leader
Connect
Flourish
Shine
Hope
Journey
Transform
Seek
Courage
Be
Passion
Fearless
Prepare
Forward
Elevate
Engage
Quality
Strong
Success
Stubborn
Win
Health
Alternative ideas
If a Word of the Year doesn’t resonate with you, there are some other ideas with a similar vibe that might work better.
A Mantra: A phrase to repeat throughout the year (e.g. everything is figureoutable).
A Theme Song: A song that captures the energy or feeling you want for the year.
A Question: A guiding question to ask before making decisions (e.g., Does this move me forward or Does this spark joy?).
A Boundary: A non-negotiable rule to protect time or energy (e.g., I put my phone away at 9pm).
our words of the year
Jess’ word of the year
2026 - for the business - community, connection, growth
personally - playful
And for previous years:
2025 - for the business - action, personally - wellness
2024 - nurture
2023 - calm and creative
2022 - connect
Anna’s word of the year
2026 - amplify
And for previous years:
2025 - rebel
2024 - together
2023 - easy
2022 - harmony
Anna Campbell’s sequin cape!
Reflecting on 2025
Anna reflected on the word REBEL which was a great word to sum up her 2025. She published her international bestselling book Good Girl Rebellion in September 2025 and continues to grow her business Good Girl Rebellion.
Jess had the word Wellness for 2025 which initially was meant to represent fitness/diet, but it evolved to a focus on self-awareness and listening to her body. This led to a gentler routine (yoga, meditation) and setting firmer boundaries, even if it meant being unapologetic about needing rest or family time.
For Jewellers Academy, the word for 2025 was Action and it was a good choice because there has been significant growth, including opening the Jewellers Academy Brighton in-person school, launching the new Diploma in Wax Jewellery, and seeing an increase in student engagement and success (e.g., commissions, craft fairs).
Intentions for 2026
Anna has chosen the word Amplify as she is taking her ‘Rebel’ message further and wider, challenging the status quo, particularly the gender pay gap for women in self-employment. The intention includes doing more public speaking and reaching a larger audience.
Jess has chosen the word Playful to be lighter, joyful, and to embrace fun, especially with her upcoming marriage and her family life with three boys. The goal is to take the pressure off and do things just for the sake of doing it, such as painting and exploring new hobbies like wax jewellery, with a focus on a "gentle, grounded playing."
For Jewellers Academy, Jess has chosen three words - Community, Connection, Growth
Community remains the core identity. Connection is vital for genuine, authentic engagement with students, especially as AI technology grows. Growth is focused primarily on helping jewelers grow their skills, businesses, and passions.
Jewellery Business Academy 2026
If growing your jewellery business is your goal for 2026 then check out the Jewellery Business Academy. A one year comprehensive program designed for jewellers, this externally accredited program is exactly what you need to stay focused an on track.
Plus get one to one mentoring on the topic of your choice, accountability through regular small group Zoom meet ups and more.