As the year winds down and the holiday lights go up, I find myself slipping into a familiar rhythm and reflection. This time of year always nudges me to pause and look back on the versions of myself I’ve lived through: the challenges I faced, the obstacles I overcame, the ways I’ve grown, and the parts of me I’m still getting to know.

Ever since stepping into entrepreneurship almost two years ago, this reflective ritual has become even more powerful. Owning a business will humble you, stretch you, and force you to confront who you are in a way that few things can. It’s a journey that makes you examine your mindset, your energy, and your patterns… whether you want to or not.

So here I am again, feeling excited and grounded as I look ahead to 2026. I’ve already started mapping out my intentions and goals, and yes… I bought myself the 2026 Big A## Planner on Black Friday. (The only thing I bought for myself, and honestly? Worth every penny.)

Ironically, I’m not a natural planner. I’m not type A. But sit me down with a blank planner and a fresh year ahead, and suddenly I’m a strategy-loving CEO who thrives on vision.

And that’s where this tradition comes in, one that has become a cornerstone of my personal and professional life.

Why I Stopped Setting New Year’s Resolutions

A couple of years ago, I ditched traditional New Year's resolutions altogether.

You know the ones:

“Lose 20 pounds.”
“Pay off the last of my student loans.”
“Go outside for 30 minutes every day.”

Now don’t get me wrong, those are good goals. Real goals. But resolutions always felt… rigid. Black and white. All or nothing.

If you achieve them early, you’re left wondering, Now what?
If you fall off track, it feels like failure.

So instead, I started choosing one word to guide my year. A word that serves as a North Star… flexible, supportive, and aligned with the season of life I’m in.

A word opens doors. A resolution narrows them.

If your word is growth, maybe that looks like finally applying for your dream nursing job, setting boundaries, or pursuing a certification.
If your word is courage, maybe it looks like leaving a toxic unit, speaking up at work, or launching a passion project.
If your word is health, maybe it’s movement, hydration, sleep, or mindset shifts.

A word adapts with you. It expands as you expand.

And that’s what happened for me.

My Word for 2024: Bold

In 2024, my word was bold.

And I needed it.

Every time I felt nervous to post on social media…
Every time I hesitated to pitch myself…
Every time imposter syndrome threatened to shut me down…

I reminded myself, Nope. This is your bold year.

And bold I was.

I started my business.
I showed up online consistently.
I quit a job without another lined up—still one of the scariest decisions I’ve made, but also one of the most aligned.
I took chances I would’ve talked myself out of in years past.

Bold carried me.

My Word for 2025: Strategy

This year—2025—my word has been strategy.

This one hit differently. It required intentionality. Systems. Boundaries. Choices rooted in long-term sustainability instead of instant gratification.

I streamlined my business.
I focused on digital courses that make a meaningful impact.
I became fiercely protective of my energy.

And one of the biggest strategic decisions I made?

I stopped offering mock interviews to the public.

Could I make more money offering them? Absolutely.
But I found the sessions weren’t as valuable because I spent most of the time teaching basics rather than coaching deeply.

Now, students take the New Grad Nurse Interview Blueprint first, and then those who want additional support can book a mock interview with me.

This not only makes the coaching more impactful—it preserves my energy and ensures the time I spend is meaningful.

I also became more strategic in my day-to-day life. Instead of driving 20 minutes to the grocery store just because I had a window of free time, I wait until I’m already near it—like during my daughter’s dance class five minutes away.

Small shifts. Big impact.

Strategy taught me efficiency, intention, and sustainability.

How I Found My Word for 2026

Which brings me to 2026.

I was driving alone the other day.. which is rare for a mom of three so naturally, I found myself deep in thought. Reflecting on the year. My career. My business. Where I’m headed. Who I’m becoming.

And lately, I’ve been doing a lot of spiritual work. Learning to trust more. Control less. Lean into alignment and timing instead of micromanaging the universe.

Somewhere in that journey, I fell into a full-blown astrology rabbit hole with ChatGPT. Specifically my astrological birth chart.

And just so you know what your birth chart is… its the universe’s blueprint for who you are and who you’re becoming. no big deal lol.

So of course, my birth chart resonated on a soul level.

As I explored different parts of my chart—especially the areas that describe my gifts, purpose, and the essence of who I am—I noticed a theme:

Everything I’ve ever been successful at has come to me with a sense of flow. Not without hard work, but with alignment. A kind of natural momentum.

A quiet inner yes.

Let me give you examples.

Example 1: Nursing Came Naturally to Me

I knew I wanted to be a nurse in sixth grade.

I loved every science class I ever took.
Anatomy and Physiology? Obsessed. I studied because I loved it—not because I had to. The work came with a sense of flow.

I even won the Rusty Scalpel Award (which sounds more like a surgical error than an achievement, but I promise it’s a good thing). It was awarded to the student with the highest grade in the class.

That wasn’t luck.
It wasn’t ease as in “easy.”
It was alignment.

Example 2: Running Cross Country

In college, I won first place in the championship race my senior year. Hardest physical training of my life.

But again… something about it aligned with who I was.
I had endurance. Drive. Grit. Mental strength.

The work wasn’t easy, but staying committed was.

That’s alignment.

Example 3: Becoming a Hospital Recruiter

I never sought out recruiting…but it found me.

While doing my MSN capstone, I helped the recruiter at job fairs, talking to students, learning what they wanted, and encouraging them to explore opportunities.

It clicked instantly.

I was good at it because it fit me:
I love talking to people.
I understand the hospital ecosystem.
I can read people and help them shine.
I genuinely enjoy guiding others toward the right path.

Our applicant numbers skyrocketed, and by the end of my rotation, the nurse leader offered me the role.

Again—aligned.
Natural.
A fit.

The Pattern: Flow vs. Force

The older I get, the more I recognize the difference between:

✨ Effort required to build something meaningful
vs.
✨ Force required to push something that isn’t meant for me

When things are meant for me, they flow.
When they’re not, it feels like paddling upstream.

And that realization led me to my 2026 word.

My 2026 Intention: A New Way of Moving Through Life

I’m not revealing the word just yet (that’s for the podcast!), but I will say this:

It represents the opposite of forcing things.
The opposite of hustle culture.
The opposite of white-knuckling my way through life.

It represents alignment.
Trust.
Flow.
Self-awareness.
Inner knowing.
And a deep partnership with the universe.

It’s the next evolution of my mindset.

But here’s the thing—I know following this word will challenge me.

I’m a recovering people-pleaser.
A lifelong overachiever.
A productivity addict.

There will be moments in 2026 when I catch myself gripping tightly, trying to control outcomes, overthinking, or slipping back into “push mode.”

But I’m ready to shift.

The Questions I’ll Ask Myself in 2026

To stay aligned with my intention, I’ve created a set of grounding questions simple but powerful mindset resets I’ll use throughout the year.

1. Does this feel forced, or does it feel like flow?

Flow feels open. Force feels tight.

2. Am I choosing this from alignment or from pressure and fear?

Fear often wears the mask of productivity.

3. Is this draining me or nourishing me?

Energy is a resource—not one I’m willing to burn out anymore.

4. If I trusted the universe completely, what decision would I make?

This is a game-changing question.

5. Am I saying yes because it feels right, or because I feel guilty?

No more guilt-driven yeses.

6. Is this aligned with my strengths, or am I forcing myself into a role that isn’t mine?

Clarity is power.

These questions will be my anchors—little checkpoints to bring me back to alignment when I drift.

What I’m Calling In for 2026

I’m excited to move into a year that isn’t about proving, pushing, or overextending.

It’s about listening.
Saying no when something isn’t aligned.
Saying yes to what supports my growth.
Creating space for what’s meant for me.
Leaning into purpose and direction.
Allowing instead of forcing.

Because I truly believe:

The more we trust what’s meant for us, the faster we arrive where we’re meant to be.

And I can’t wait to walk into 2026 holding this intention with both hands.

What’s Your Word for 2026?

If you choose a Word of the Year, I want to hear it.
Message me on Instagram or TikTok at @nursecoachcaroline and share your word… I love seeing the energy and intention people bring into a new chapter.

And if you’re a nursing student or new grad, this practice can be life-changing. It gives you clarity, confidence, direction, and a mindset rooted in progress rather than pressure.

Here’s to a year of alignment, intuition, and stepping boldly into who you’re becoming.

2026… we’re ready for you.

As always — I have one hand for me, and the other for you. 🤍

Signing Off…

Caroline

PS. Want more on this topic? Listen to Life After Nursing School Podcast Ep 46

My Word for 2026: How Intention-Setting Can Transform Your Nursing Career, Your Confidence, and Your Life