Design Your Year:
2026 Tools
The start of a new year is a natural time to pause, reflect, and make changes. But it’s not the only time you can do it.
Whether you’re making resolutions in January, recommitting in May, or starting fresh in November, the key isn’t timing–it’s finding an approach that works for you.
Ready to design a happier year? You’re in the right place.
Tools For Designing Your Year: 2026
Studies show that most people abandon their New Year’s resolutions by February. The problem isn’t that they lack willpower–rather, it’s because many people pick aims that are too vague, and approach them in ways that aren’t in harmony with their natural inclinations. My research and experience shows that when you design an aim around who you really are and how you function, you’re far more likely to achieve it.
With this trifecta of tools, you can explore different approaches to find the ones that feel right for you. Whether you’re a New Year’s resolution person (or not), you can put these strategies to work.
Choose a One-Word Theme
A one-word theme is just what it sounds like: a single word or short phrase that encapsulates your aims for 2026. It’s a terrific way to focus your intentions, especially if you’re not a fan of resolutions. Plus, it’s fun!
Your theme might be “Courage,” “Adventure,” “Morning,” “Wiggle,” or anything else that feels right. My theme last year was “Door,” to symbolize my transition into the “open door” phase of parenting and my desire to be more hospitable.
To keep your theme uppermost in your mind, you might write it on a note card and pin it above your desk, make it the background on your phone or computer, or find a symbol to represent your theme. When you’re making decisions about where to focus your time and energy, you ask yourself, “Does this choice reflect my theme?”
Resources for Choosing a One-Word Theme
Listen to Gretchen and Elizabeth reveal their 2026 one-word themes
Choosing a one-word theme for 2026
As the new year approaches, many people feel the familiar pull to set goals or create resolutions. But while resolutions are popular, research shows that for many people, they’re not particularly effective.
There’s a simpler, more flexible (and more fun) approach I like to use as I consider how I want to shape the year to come: the one-word theme.
Join the 26 in 2026 Challenge
Each year on the Happier with Gretchen Rubin podcast, my sister Elizabeth and I design an annual challenge to help ourselves and listeners build happiness-boosting habits in a practical, manageable way.
For a bit of whimsy, we tie the challenge to the particular year.
This year’s challenge is “Move 26 in ’26”: Move your body for 26 minutes every day in 2026.
Many people know movement makes them feel better, but struggle to maintain the habit.
Walking, running, swimming, stretching, biking, yoga, puttering, dog-walking—whatever gets you moving works. If accountability helps you succeed, this challenge provides the structure and community to make movement stick.
Resources for the “26 in ’26” Challenge
Listen to Gretchen and Elizabeth reveal the 2026 Yearly Challenge
Join Us for Move 26 in ’26
Every year on the Happier with Gretchen Rubin podcast, Gretchen and Elizabeth invite listeners to join them in an annual challenge.
This year, they’re getting moving with Move 26 in ’26: Move for 26 minutes every day in 2026.
Write a “26 for 2026” List
No surprise, research shows that when we set specific aims for ourselves, we’re far more likely to achieve them. That’s where your “26 for 2026” list comes in.
Take some time to create a list of 26 things you’d like to accomplish this year. These items can be big or small, enjoyable or challenging, serious or whimsical. I like to include a mix.
The important thing is to keep them specific, concrete, and manageable. “Try 26 new recipes” works better than “Become an accomplished cook.”
Resources for the “26 for 2026” List
Listen to Gretchen and Elizabeth reveal their 25 for 2025 Lists
WRITE YOUR OWN 26 FOR 2026 LIST
[FREE PDF]
Consider making a “26 for 2026” list to identify your aims for the year. There’s no one right way to make your list—you might create different categories, follow a single theme, choose only fun items, use the 26 letters of the alphabet for inspiration. The important thing is to consider what you want the year to hold.
Link to podcast episode on 1/7 Annual List reveal
The Design Your Year Guide
This guide is designed to help you shape your year, season by season, with reminders to stop, reflect, and consider what changes could make your life happier, healthier, more productive, and more creative.
How to Use the Happier™ app for the 26 in ’26 Challenge
From bingo cards to tracking tools, the Happier app has what you need to get inspired and stay accountable.
More Tools for Designing Your Year
Originally, I began creating the “Design Your Year” tools because I’ve heard from so many people who dislike traditional New Year’s resolutions. No tool fits every hand, so I decided to create new tools, ones that could help people achieve their aims in ways that felt more fresh, flexible, and fun than the conventional resolution.