First of all, Happy New Year, kids.
Here’s hoping this year is better than 2025 because that one was a s**t-show if ever there was a year.
Now, every January 1st I choose a word for the year that will define, shape, and guide me through my career, life, and health. This year the word is: DISCIPLINE.
discipline | ˈdisəplən | noun
1 the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior, using punishment to correct disobedience: a lack of proper parental and school discipline. • the controlled behavior resulting from discipline: he was able to maintain discipline among his men. • activity or experience that provides mental or physical training: the tariqa offered spiritual discipline | Kung fu is a discipline open to old and young. • a system of rules of conduct: he doesn’t have to submit to normal disciplines.
2 a branch of knowledge, typically one studied in higher education: sociology is a fairly new discipline. verb [with object] train (someone) to obey rules or a code of behavior, using punishment to correct disobedience: many parents have been afraid to discipline their children. • punish or rebuke (someone) formally for an offense: a member of the staff was to be disciplined by management. • (discipline oneself to do something) train oneself to do something in a controlled and habitual way: every month discipline yourself to go through the file.
For 2026 I have specific goals that I want to meet – and will – by being disciplined in my daily life with regards to my career, personal relationships, and health. By staying focused and performing disciplined actions daily, I will meet them, that is assured.
Come along on this journey with me. And tell me…do you have a word of the year that you want to define the next 365 days of your life?
Peggy Jaeger, Author 