My 3 Words for 2026: A Simple Framework for Focus and Purpose
A number of you have asked if I’m still using My 3 Words for the year. I am! But as I was on a sabbatical from blogging while adjusting to my new “future life“, I didn’t write about my choices for 2026. So, better late than never, here is an update on My 3 Words for 2026.
What is My 3 Words?
At the start of each new calendar year, I sit down and decide upon 3 words to help guide my direction and goals in the year ahead.
If you’re unfamiliar with the My 3 Words concept, it was created by author and creator Chris Brogan, who, since 2006, has chosen three words to serve as a guide for the year ahead.
If you’d like to find out more, I highly recommend you grab the webinar recording on the My 3 Words topic.
Personally, I have found the My 3 Words concept to be a simple yet powerful motivator for ensuring you’re heading in the right direction through your daily actions and decisions.
Much like an aeroplane pilot making tiny, subtle course corrections throughout a flight, I’ve found that My 3 Words act as a quiet navigation system, gently nudging my daily choices back on track before small distractions ever blow me too far off course.
My 3 Words for 2026
My 3 Words for 2026 are:
- Rebuild – Healing health, energy, strength and fitness after burnout. Not from scratch, but with wisdom and patience. Progress without punishment.
- Regulate – Safety first, effort second. Cycling between gears deliberately instead of living in “go” mode. Staying ambitious without adrenaline. Intentionally leaving energy in the tank.
- Explore – Curiosity without the pressure of outcomes. Following interests that nourish me. Doing things because they are fun. Finding new parts of me because there is space now. Seeing what I’m truly drawn to.
This year’s words are very much in support of my adjustment to retirement “future life” and after 25 years working in IT, my desire to cultivate a “beginners mind” and explore new topics.
How to use your 3 Words
If you’re interested in adopting the My 3 Words concept yourself, then my advice would be to think of your three words as a guide. The words you choose should help you make decisions, and ensure that you are headed in the right direction.
By choosing three intentional words, you can create an easily memorable filter for your daily decisions, habits, and priorities without the pressure of traditional goal-setting. Rather than acting as a pass-or-fail checklist, these words serve as gentle pointers throughout the months. They help you focus, shape your behaviour, and ensure that every project or opportunity you say yes to truly aligns with where you want to grow.
I’d also encourage you to make sure you can see your 3 words every day. For instance, I have my 3 words printed and pinned to my main work desk. Additionally, I write my 3 words down in my journal every day.
Plus, I have a smartphone lock screen wallpaper (pictured above) that displays my 3 words for 2026, so every time I glance at my ‘phone, I’m reminded of my words.
The words act as a daily reminder to myself of the direction I want to head in.
Conclusion
Ultimately, My 3 Words isn’t about setting rigid targets to hit or fail; it’s about giving yourself a clear, daily filter for your time, focus, and energy.
What about you? Have you chosen your three words for 2026, or is there a theme guiding your year ahead? As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Please leave a comment below or get in touch.
