What is a Word of the Year?
A word of the year is a word that inspires, motivates, guides and informs your year ahead. Think of it as sort of like a New Year's resolution, but without the impending sense of failure.
The problem with New Year's resolutions is that they will inevitably fail. I don't know about you, but I've set myself unrealistic, very specific goals on January 1st, and by 17th March I've completely forgotten about them after a few minor slip-ups became "oh, well... maybe next year..."
A word of the year is softer than a New Year's resolution or specific end-goal. It has a rough idea of where it wants to be heading, but without the pressure of a measurable finish line.
Having just completed my Master's Degree in marketing, SMART goals were are huge presence in my life over the last two years. If you've never had to set SMART goals, firstly, lucky you, but secondly, here's what they are...
A SMART goal is a goal that is:
S- Specific: A goal that is clearly defined
M- Measurable: It is possible to measure the outcome, track progress and determine whether the goal has been met.
A- Achievable: It is a realistic goal that can be reached. It is not impossible.
R- Relevant: The goal is relevant and aligns with your broader objectives.
T- Time-bound: There is an end-date. A deadline can help keep you on track.
TL;DR- Smart goals are incredibly specific goals that should be achievable in a set amount of time, and you should be able to measure the outcome. An example of a smart goal would be, "I will be able to run a half-marathon by August 2026"
Basically, a word of the year is like the opposite of a SMART goal.
Because, my goodness, did I hate working with SMART goals.
They sapped the enjoyment out of everything, made me stress about not hitting targets and, well, they just felt like a lot of admin. As an ADHD girly, I find SMART goals don't work for me. I'm very much an all-or-nothing kind of girl. If I feel like I'm not going to meet a target, I'll give up completely.
How Does a Word of the Year Work?
We've established what a word of the year isn't. Here's what it actually is:
You choose a word to inform your decisions/attitude/vibe for the year. That's it! No pressure, no sense of failure, just a theme to work with. No specific target with exact deadline and measurable outcomes.
It's March, Why Are You Only Posting This Now?!
It's a valid question. I chose our word of the year back in January, admittedly AFTER the 1st day of the year, but that's the great thing about it not being a SMART goal- there are no hard and fast rules. Plus, I think that my lackadaisical approach fully matches the vibe of my word of the year.
Our Word of the Year for 2026 - Whimsy
Whimsy- Playfully quaint or fanciful.
I think it might just be my favourite word.
In an increasingly beige world that is more and more mass-produced, AI-generated and samey, I say bring on the whimsy. Let's have a little fun. Why shouldn't we make the every day mundane more whimsical?!
I'm all up for using my best handwriting to write a shopping list, and wearing my favourite dress to work.
How We're Bring Whimsy to Pogofandango
Firstly- have you seen our new range of stationery? It's called 'Whimsical' and it is a celebration of whimsy. Check it out here. We've created this range of playful stationery to bring joy to adulting.
We have also been giving our website a bit of an overhaul. It's now much prettier, with a new colourful layout, new blog and new photographs. Our old website was a bit of a snooze-fest. It was practical and functional, but it wasn't bringing us any joy. Our new website makes me smile every time I see it.
You may also have spotted that our newer greetings card designs are more playful, too. I've been having fun designing again - creating illustrations that make me happy.
And that's what whimsy is all about - bringing a bit of playful joy to every day life.
Summing Up...
In typical Emma-fashion, I'm bringing my word of the year in March. But I think that's ok. I've been inspired by this word over the last few months, so maybe me sharing it now is just my way of reminding myself and keeping on track.
Do you have a word of the year? Share it in the comments if you do- you might even inspire me for my word of the year for 2027!
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