Do You Have a Word for This Year? What is it and how to find one!

Ellie Azerad
7 days ago
5 min read

Do You Have a Word for This Year?

I’ve gotten a few emails this week that all basically say the same thing:

“Ellie… what is a word of the year?”

“Why is everyone talking about this?”

“Do I actually need one?”

You might have seen this concept floating around everywhere, productivity people you follow, emails landing in your inbox, podcasts talking about it nonstop this time of year.

Everyone keeps mentioning their word of the year and you’re thinking…

What on earth is that?

And do I actually need one?

A word of the year is one intentional word you choose to guide how you live, decide, and do things in this season of your life.

Wait, before we get into it:

If you’re new here, let me take literally 30 seconds to explain how I do things, because I’m not like most email lists.

I usually send about two emails a month.

When you see an email from me, it’s because I genuinely believe it’s worth opening.

I work really hard to make sure each email gives you real value, something practical, something eye-opening, something you can actually do right away.

My goal is that when you open it, you think:

“Oh wow. That was helpful.”

And because I’m the Frum Minimalist, I’m putting this little welcome right here in this word of the year email, instead of sending you a separate “welcome email.” Less inbox clutter lol!

Okay, now let’s get into today’s email…

Why is everyone so into this?

Most of us are not struggling with a lack of information.

There is so much free information out there that the real problem is actually too much information. Too many choices. Too many options.

What we’re struggling with is:

decision fatigue
mental overload
constantly second-guessing ourselves
feeling pulled in a hundred directions

A word of the year simplifies all of that- Frum Minimalism style.

These are topics I go very deep into in Frum Minimalism, because when everything feels overwhelming, it’s because you’re doing and thinking too much. You Have too many decisions to make, you have too much information in your brain, you have too many choices and options and you have too many places to go.

When you choose a word, you’re narrowing things down.

Instead of asking ten questions every time a decision comes up:

Should I join this group?
Should I take on this project?
Should I make an elaborate dessert?
Should I go out with my friend?

You ask this question:

Does this align with my word?

What does a word of the year actually look like?

CLIENT EXAMPLE:

One woman I coach chose the word easy.

She was feeling like her life was just hard.

A few day's in, she was invited to something she normally would have for suresaid yes to. But this time, she thought of her word EASY. She realized… it wasn’t easy.

It was in the evening.

It would’ve made bedtime difficult.

It would’ve thrown off the schedule.

She would’ve had to get a babysitter, and cook a fancy dish.

None of that felt easy at all.

So she said no.

CLIENT EXAMPLE:

Another client I coach chose the word capable.

She came in feeling like everything was hard for her. She constantly felt behind, overwhelmed, and stuck thinking, Why can everyone else do this but me?

Every time she caught herself thinking, I can’t handle this, this is so hard, she practiced replacing it with:

I am capable. I can do hard things.

I asked her if I could share an example of how she’s using this word this week.

She told me:

“Whenever my husband isn’t available for bedtime, everything used to feel chaotic because I always thought I couldn’t do it alone. Now I stop and tell myself: I am capable.”

She said, “Last night I put the kids to bed calmly, by myself. I felt really proud. I realized, I can do hard things.”

Why words are very Frum Minimalist

This is actually straight out of Frum Minimalism.

When we keep everything, think about everything, say yes to everything, and try to focus on everything… we end up overwhelmed and running in a million directions.

That’s clutter.

Mental clutter.

Frum Minimalism isn’t about having less just for the sake of it.

It’s about simplifying every area of your life, so you can function better.

A word of the year does the same thing, in your head.

Your brain is always looking for something to focus on. Always.

It’s constantly scanning your environment, your thoughts, your to-do list, your life, asking: What should I pay attention to?

So when you don’t choose a focus on purpose, your brain just grabs onto whatever feels and screams loudest.

When you choose one word, you’re simplifying.

You’re giving your brain a job.

Instead of letting it spiral, you’re saying: Hey brain, look here.

When should you choose your word?

January 1st.

Your birthday.

Rosh Hashanah.

The start of a new season.

Or the middle of a random Tuesday when something clicks.

There is no wrong time.

Your word can last all year.

It can change quarterly, or monthly.

It can and SHOULD evolve.

If you like this:

This is exactly the kind of work we do inside my 8-Week Challenge.

We take ideas like this and actually apply them to:

your home
your schedule
your mental load
your boundaries
the way you speak to yourself

The challenge starts TODAY, January 1st.

It runs for 8 weeks.

And for this cohort only, i am offering it for $27 INSTEAD OF $97 for subscribers!!

Coupon code: subscribersonly

I honestly don’t know if or when it will ever be this price again.

Even if you don’t join, I want you to do homework!

What can be your WORD?

If you’re ready to do this work with a lot more structure, support, and depth, you’re very welcome to join us.

I'd love to hear from YOU! Which word did you choose?

$3 A WEEK CHALLENGE!→

P.S. 8 WEEK CHALLENGE:

New Year’s gift for my subscribers only 💛

Here’s what it is:

An 8-Week Challenge.

Each week for 8 weeks, you’ll get:

One clear, practical PDF
Sent straight to your email
With real things to work on, like:
- planning your week
- time batching
- decision fatigue
- deep cleaning
- mental clutter
- making time for dreams
- and more

Community (optional but fun):

There’s an optional WhatsApp group for:

Check-ins
quick polls
encouragement
cheering each other on

You do not need WhatsApp to join.

Email-only works perfectly, and you’re always welcome to email me your homework if you want accountability.

Because I love having you here, I decided to make this a total no-brainer for subscribers.

$27 instead of $97!!!!

If $3 a week helps you create more calm and space for what actually matters, this is an easy yes, yes, yes!

👉 Coupon code: subscribersonly

I’d love to have you join 💛