Choosing a Word of the Year for 2026
In this episode, I talk about:
Why I choose a word of the year.
Moving from worthy in 2025 to simplicity in 2026.
How my priorities are shifting from business-first to a more holistic life focus.
Simplifying my business offers, systems, launches, and team structure.
A reminder that your word doesn’t need to be mine, but it should support real change
Why I Chose “Simplicity” as My Word of the Year for 2026
If you've followed me for a while, you know I don’t pick a word of the year just for fun or surface-level motivation. My word is a North Star. A guiding force. It’s the anchor I return to again and again to filter my decisions, shape my days, and realign when life gets loud.
Last year, my word was Worthy, and it wasn’t about just saying I’m worthy. It was about actually embodying it. Living it. Making decisions from that place. That word asked a lot of me.
And now, 2026 is asking for something else entirely: Simplicity.
What Simplicity Means to Me (and Why I Need It Now)
The choice wasn’t instant. I entertained other words…. optimize, focus, even structure… but none of them landed the way simplicity did.
The truth is, after a big year of growth, pivots, and stretching myself in 2025, I’m feeling the call to scale things back in order to move forward. Not because I’m shrinking. But because I’m sharpening.
This word didn’t come from a branding brainstorm or a productivity hack. It came through in stillness, specifically, a hypnotherapy session I participated in during my last Immersion retreat.
At the very end of the session, one phrase dropped in loud and clear: Keep it f***ing simple.
A Word That Touches Every Area of My Life
Simplicity isn’t just a business strategy for me…. it’s a life strategy. A nervous system strategy. A “what kind of woman, wife, and CEO do I want to be?” strategy.
I’m making real shifts this year:
Two clear business arms: my personal brand and Success Beyond Strategy
Fewer offers, each with intentional tiers
Streamlined systems and tools (no more living in 8 platforms at once)
Delegating with clarity instead of stretching people (or myself) thin
Releasing the need to be everywhere or do everything
Even my launch calendar is simplified: one launch per quarter. That’s it.
Even my social media: showing up once a week, when it’s aligned and not because I "should."
I’m choosing platforms, tools, and timelines that actually work for me, not just ones that look good from the outside.
This Isn’t Just About Business—It’s About Life
Simplicity is showing up everywhere:
We’re house hunting right now, and I’ve caught myself overcomplicating the process. Should we see more homes? What if something better comes up?
But I already know which house feels right. Why am I second-guessing what’s clear?
We’re planning travel to Europe. I don’t need a 90-day content plan to “earn it.” I need a simplified, intentional savings plan and space to go when the time comes.
Even in my health, relationships, and personal routines, I’m asking: “What would this look like if it were simpler?”
And it’s not just easier. It’s better.
Simplicity Isn’t Small. It’s Sacred.
Here’s what I’ve learned: simplicity isn’t about doing less to avoid effort. It’s about doing what matters and letting everything else fall away.
That’s how I show up best for my clients, my team, my family, and myself.
That’s how I create offers that feel rich, not rushed.
That’s how I build a life I don’t want to escape from.
What’s Your Word of the Year?
This post isn’t about convincing you to choose simplicity or any word specifically as your word. It’s about encouraging you to find the one that’s truly yours.
Ask yourself:
Where did I feel the most stretched or overwhelmed last year?
What would I need to feel differently this year?
What theme or intention would guide me back to alignment?
That’s where your word lives.
(And if you’re deep into Human Design like me, I highly recommend checking out Nicole Lano’s podcast. She has great episodes on choosing a word aligned with your type linked above.)
I’d Love to Hear Yours
When you’ve found your word, DM me on Instagram. I’d love to know what 2026 is calling you into and how you’re planning to honor it.
Next week’s blog will break down how I took this word and actually built a plan around it. Yes, including my budget. Because we don’t just choose words. We live them.
Until then, keep it simple. Or whatever your version of that looks like.
Cat Roten
Intuitive Leader & Mentor