Word of the Year 2026: Practice

 

I've returned to choosing a Word of the Year. If you aren't familiar with this idea, you can find more about it here. Basically instead of resolutions, you choose a word to focus your year around, fitting it to many areas. Some years it takes me weeks of pondering to find a word that feels right. But this year, one popped into my head and was immediately the one that resonated. My word this year is: 

PRACTICE

Practice can be both a verb and a noun, and I feel the need for a verb this year! Merriam Webster defines Practice in verb form as: 

1

a

: carry out, apply

practice what you preach

b

: to do or perform often, customarily, or habitually

2

a

: to perform or work at repeatedly so as to become proficient

b

: to train by repeated exercises

And Practice as a noun is similar: 

1

a

: actual performance or application

b

: a repeated or customary action

2

a

: systematic exercise for proficiency

practice makes perfect

b

: the condition of being proficient through systematic exercise

Basically, I want to practice many things, in order to create a practice of creativity. I find I am very often reluctant to try new supplies or a new technique, whether that is in sewing up my wardrobe or creating fabric art. I worry that it won't work, that it won't be good. So I want to let go of perfectionism this year and practice everything I do, with a beginner's mind. If I remind myself that I'm just practicing, the pressure is off. And eventually this will lead to A Practice, a routine that I stick to so I can prioritize my creative output. That's 2026! 

Photo by Madhuri Mohite on Unsplash