171 | How I Reflect, Set Goals, and Choose My Word of the Year for 2026

Every December, I sit down with a cup of coffee, my Full Focus Planner, and a quiet moment to breathe. Because if there’s anything I’ve learned in my 20+ years in interior design, it’s that the goals we don’t set end up shaping our lives just as much as the ones we do. And when you’re building a design business—or simply trying to thrive as a creative human—intentionality matters more than anything. Without direction, it’s easy to slip into survival mode. But when you pause long enough to reflect, plan, and recalibrate, everything begins to feel lighter, clearer, and more aligned.

In this episode, I’m walking you through my personal reflection of 2025: what worked, what shifted, the word that guided me through a year of centering and grounding, and how that shaped my business and personal life. I’m also sharing how I’m approaching 2026 with my new Word of the Year—radiant—and how you can choose your own word to anchor your purpose, energy, and growth.

If you’ve been feeling scattered, overwhelmed, or unsure of what you want 2026 to look like, this episode will help you slow down, listen inward, and craft a vision that supports both your life and your interior design business. It’s your invitation to step into the year with clarity, confidence, and a sense of grounded intentionality—so you can finally thrive, not just hustle.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

✔️ How to conduct an honest reflection of your year—what worked, what didn’t, and what still needs nurturing.

✔️ Why choosing a Word of the Year is a powerful anchor for personal clarity and business direction.

✔️ How my 2025 word, centered, shaped everything from my finances to my creative energy.

✔️ The key elements of creating a meaningful vision board (and how mine helped me manifest my goals).

✔️ Practical steps for planning your 2026 goals in a way that feels grounded and achievable.

✔️ How personal retreat days can transform your focus, productivity, and creativity.

✔️ The mindset shift designers need to embrace to build resilience and financial security in uncertain times.

Read the Blog >>> How to Reflect on 2025 and Create Your Vision for 2026

NEXT STEPS:

🎯 Join the Launch Your Business Bootcamp and start your 2026 with clarity, confidence, and direction.

Check out our Designer's Playlist!

*️ Start Your Interior Design Journey

*️ From Newbie to Confident Designer

*️ Switching Gears to Interior Design

Grab your freebies:

📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design

🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career

Connect With Me:

📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com

🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign

🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com

Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...

Timestamps

0:00 — Introduction and Bootcamp Announcement

1:56 — Why I Reflect and Create a Vision Every Year

4:07 — Achievements and Personal Growth in 2025

9:22 — AI Integration and Staying Relevant as a Designer

11:56 — My 2026 Word of the Year: Radiant

13:01 — How I Choose My Word of the Year

13:46 — Encouragement for Your 2026 Goals