Every year, as the calendar turns, many of us pause to choose a word of the year—a single anchor meant to guide our intentions, decisions, and energy for the months ahead. Last year, my word was Time. It represented permission: permission to slow down, to learn, to explore, and to prioritize self-care without guilt.
As I look toward 2026, though, something feels different.
Instead of narrowing my focus to one word, I’m leaning into a mantra—something more expansive, more flexible, and more reflective of the season I’m in.
From One Word to a Bigger Picture
Recently, I came across a few of those familiar word games—the ones where the first four words you see are meant to reveal your “mantra” for the year. Out of curiosity (and maybe a little fun 😄), I tried seven of them.
What surprised me wasn’t just the results—but the consistency.
Every single one pointed back to the same themes:
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Creativity
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Authentic leadership
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Being human
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Personal responsibility
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Self-care
Rather than feeling random, it felt like a quiet confirmation. These are already the ideas shaping how I’m thinking about 2026—both personally and professionally.
Why “Staying Human” Matters More Than Ever
In the talent, leadership, and business spaces, AI is everywhere right now—and for good reason. It’s powerful, efficient, and evolving rapidly. But as those conversations grow louder, one idea keeps rising to the surface for me:
The most important thing we can bring into the future of work is our humanity.
Creativity. Empathy. Authenticity. Responsibility. Self-awareness.
These aren’t things to compete with AI on—they’re the qualities that set us apart. They’re what make leadership meaningful, teams resilient, and work worth doing.
My Mantra for 2026
So instead of a single word, I’m grounding myself in this mantra for the year ahead:
Creating boldly.
Leading authentically.
Staying human.
Caring for myself along the way.
It’s not about perfection or productivity. It’s about intention—showing up creatively, leading with integrity, remembering the human element in everything we do, and protecting the energy that allows all of that to happen.
A Question for You
As you look ahead to 2026, I’d love to know:
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Are you choosing a word or a mantra this year?
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What themes keep showing up for you?
Sometimes these small reflective moments tell us more than we expect.
If you’d like to watch the full conversation and reflections behind this post, you can view the live video on LinkedIn here:
Let’s compare notes—and step into 2026 a little more intentionally, and a lot more human.
Turn Your 2026 Intentions Into Real Career Momentum
Choosing a word—or a mantra—is the first step. The next is aligning your career with the way you want to show up, lead, and grow.
At Whiting Consulting, we support professionals who want careers rooted in purpose, authenticity, and long-term growth—not just the next title.
Discover How We Support Your Career Journey