What to Do If Your One Word Has Stopped Working
{One Word 2026 June Linkup}
We’ve almost reached the halfway point of the year, which makes this a good time to check in with your One Word.
How is it going?
Maybe your word is still inspiring you. You notice it often, and it keeps you focused.
But what if it isn’t? What if you’ve forgotten it altogether? Or it will no longer fit in with the second half of your year?
First, it’s okay either way.
There’s no right or wrong with a One Word practice. It’s simply a tool for growth and reflection. And like any tool, sometimes it needs to be picked up again, sharpened, or even replaced.
So, if your One Word has stopped working, here are three things to try. And if it is still working? Keep moving forward with it. These ideas are for you, too.
1. Take a Word Walk
Before you abandon your word, spend one more day with it.
Take a short walk as you think about your word. Notice anything that reminds you of your word. Ask yourself:
- How have I seen my word on this walk?
- Why did I choose this word in the first place?
- Where have I seen it show up this year?
Write down a few observations when you get back home. You may discover your word actually has been working, even when you weren’t paying attention. Or not.
For me, I’ve chosen the word SHIFT for 2026 to help me accept that everything changes.
The morning of this practice, I was walking through my neighborhood when I saw a younger neighbor taking her morning run. It reminded me of SHIFT because years ago, that would have been me running. And it would have been my parents walking. Now it’s someone younger than me doing the running, and I am doing the walking.
Everything SHIFTS over time, including our bodies and the activities we do.
2. Use Your Word as a Lens
Sometimes the problem isn’t the word. It’s that we’ve stopped using it.
For the next week, set a daily reminder—or a weekly reminder for the next month—and ask yourself:
- Where do I need this word right now?
- Could this word provide a useful perspective in navigating a current challenge?
- What would change if I viewed things through the lens of my word?
A word that seemed irrelevant a month ago may be what you need today. But if not, look for alternative words.
I’ve been through a few monumental changes in relationships the past 3-4 years. They’ve been quite jarring and created a lot of pain.
But viewing the world through the lens of SHIFT, I’m reassured that while life always has been and always will be full of changes, it still keeps moving forward. With the help of others and the skills I continue to learn and practice, I see that I also continue to change. And keep moving forward too.
3. Refresh Your Reminders
Sometimes a word has simply done its job.
Perhaps you outgrew it. Or your circumstances changed. Maybe another word better captures where you are now.
Don’t let the word you chose become an obligation. If your current word no longer serves you, choose a new one. You’re not breaking any rules (there are none).
But whether you keep the same word or replace it, create a few fresh reminders for yourself of your word. Maybe move your word to a new location, write it on a sticky note, use it as a bookmark, or turn it into a simple phrase:
- I choose peace over urgency.
- Practice courage today.
- Let curiosity lead.
Sometimes a small reminder is enough to bring your focus back to what matters.
After putting together this Puzzle Planter last week, I set it on my nightstand. Before I go to sleep each night, I’ve been turning it upside down as a symbol to SHIFT my mindset from being an open container to a closed one. The day is complete, and there’s nothing more for me to do except rest.
When I wake up in the morning, I set the planter upright again, indicating my intention to be open to the new things that will appear in this new day.
Remember the Goal
The goal of One Word isn’t to stick with the same word for 365 days no matter what.
The purpose is to create awareness and meaning.
Let your word be an invitation to pay closer attention, reflect on your life, and grow with intention.
So if your One Word has stopped working, you don’t have to give up on the practice altogether (although you can do that, too).
Try reconnecting with it. Reimagining it. Or replacing it.
Then keep going.
Share Your One Word Update
Share your own One Word updates in the comments or add a One Word blog post in the linkup below. It will remain open until midnight, Friday, July 10.
You’re also welcome to share your photos in the One Word Facebook group throughout the month.
Looking ahead, the July linkup opens Sunday, July 26.
Question for you:
Is your word still working or not? Would you like to change it? Share in the comments.
If you’d like to receive our monthly One Word emails and ideas for 2026, join here.