260+ Word of the Year Ideas for Moms

Choosing a single word to welcome in the new year is all the rave lately, taking on popularity much like our new year’s resolutions have for years. The idea of choosing a word of the year is simple, in theory, but often harder to actually execute!

For starters, it’s pretty difficult to narrow in on an intention or motive or goal or feeling that’s intended to encapsulate all aspects of life. Then, when you can articulate what you want to achieve in the new year – how you want to feel, how you want to act, who you hope to become – it’s pretty damn hard to pick ONE single word that reflects that. That’s a lot of work for one little word!

And maybe it’s just me, but I feel like this exercise is even harder now that I’m a mom. Sure, I’m still just plain old me, but I also feel this constant pull in 5 million different directions. Mom, wife, homemaker, friend, sister, daughter. Aspiring this. Want to be that. Former who knows what. Do I pick a word that focuses on my personal aspirations as a business woman? What about a word that mostly reflects what I want to instill in my 2 year old daughter? Or should it just be: clean, so that I’m reminded 24/7 for 365 days straight that there is inevitably, something, somewhere, that should be cleaned up, picked up, tidied up.

Okay, enough of that.

But even if you’ve found a few word of the year ideas for moms that resonate with you, once you make your selection, it takes quite a bit of discipline to constantly think, feel, behave, and act all year long — driven by the intentions set with your one word.

How to Choose a Word of the Year

Well, that’s the point, my friends! And if you’re like me and have really enjoyed the process of brainstorming, selecting, and living by the intention of a single word of the year each year, welcome back!

It’s almost the start of a new year, and so it’s time to get to work.

For most people, choosing a word of the year starts with some serious reflection.

What’s going well in my life?
What do I wish I could change?
What do I want more or less of in my life?
In what areas do I most want to change or grow?
How do I want to feel at the end of next year?
What do I hope to be my motivating values this year?

It’s important to consider all parts of your life when choosing a word of the year. It’s not a word that describes just your work goals, or just your relationship goals, or just your #momlife goals. It’s a word that should be broad sweeping enough, and yet relevant to all parts of you.

Who do you want to be in 12 months, and what’s it going to take to get there? Focus? Discipline? Support? Growth? Excitement? Passion?

Reflecting on My Recent Word of the Year Choices

Hopefully you’re getting the idea!

To learn firsthand how my thought process works when I do this exercise each year, you can read about my past word of the year choices, and my word of the year this year. It’s interesting to step back and reflect on how different my intentions were between the different years.

In 2018 when my word was support, I was very much focused on how I could be a better me, for the benefit of other people. I felt I had been take, take, taking for a long time, and it was time to look up, look around, and do more for those around me.

This year my word of the year is also about self-improvement, but it’s very much geared inwards.

Word of the Year Ideas for You

So mamas, tell me! Are you ready to do this? The time is almost here to make your word of the year official, so it’s time to sit down, reflect, and envision your ideal self next year.

To help you choose a word of the year that is perfect for YOUR goals, your vision, your family and self, I’ve compiled a list of over 260 word of the year ideas for moms. Busy moms, stressed out moms, moms who have their ish together. Moms who are ready to reset, and heck – women in general, whether you’re a mom or not at all!