#OneWord2026 - Devotion

 

New Year’s resolutions have been with us for thousands of years. Sarah Pruitt, writing for History.com on the history of New Year's resolutions, attributes the Babylonians over 4,000 years ago with the first resolutions. The intention behind them is often sincere, history—and experience—tell us that many resolutions fade long before winter loosens its grip. Like many, I’ve found that broad promises beginning with “This year I will…” rarely withstand the pace, the To Do List, and the complexity of real life.

In 2016, I encountered the concept of choosing one word as a point of focus for the year. Rather than a checklist or a collection of goals, #OneWord serves as a lens—something to return to in moments of clarity and in moments of challenge. Over time, this practice has proven to be both grounding and sustaining for me.

In past years, my #OneWord has reflected the season I was walking through: Believe, Serve, Resilience, Presence, Intentional, Focus, Forward, Elevate. Each word met me where I was and helped shape how I showed up—as a leader, as an educator, as a husband and father, and as someone who wants to serve others.

As I have reflected on the year ahead, one word has continued to surface—not loudly, but persistently.

My #OneWord for 2026 is Devotion.

Devotion is not flashy. It does not demand attention. It is steady, faithful, and enduring. Devotion is about showing up—not just when the work is celebrated, but when it is difficult, unseen, or exhausting. It is the quiet commitment to people and purpose over time.

It is long nights and weekends spent over a computer screen, so that work days are focused on being truly present with people.

For me, devotion speaks directly to why I entered this profession and why I continue in it. It is devotion to students—each one worthy of care, opportunity, and belief. It is devotion to educators and staff whose daily work often goes unnoticed but whose impact is immeasurable. It is devotion to families and community, and to the sacred trust placed in public education.

Devotion also reminds me that leadership is not about urgency alone. It is about not losing track of what is important in the midst of the busyness of the day. It is about faithfulness. It is about presence. It is about doing the small things well, consistently, and with heart. It is choosing to listen deeply, to act with integrity, and to lead with humility.

For me, Devotion means showing up daily. It means choosing people and purpose again and again. It means intentionally and purposefully doing the work with love and an unwavering focus on serving every single student and every single teammate.

Like every #OneWord I have chosen, Devotion is bigger than a single goal or initiative. It will evolve throughout the year. Some days it will call me to recommit. Other days, it will remind me to slow down and be fully present. Always, it will anchor me in service.

As we enter a new year filled with opportunity and challenge, my hope is to live and lead with devotion—to people, to purpose, and to the belief that what we do, and how we do it, truly matters.

I would love to know your #OneWord for the year ahead and what is guiding your reflection. May 2026 be a year marked by strength, growth, and deep devotion to what matters most.


Happy New Year.


A Sample of my past #OneWord posts:

#OneWord2023 - Elevate
#OneWord2022 - Forward
#OneWord2021 - Resilience
#OneWord2016 - Serve

Image - Photo by Volodymyr Grytsiuk on Unsplash