“Lose 20 pounds!”
“Eat healthier!”
“Exercise every day!”
Every year, so many of us make resolutions like this.
Every year, so many of us break resolutions like this.
There has to be a better way.
Let’s try something new this year. This year, let’s try following a theme instead of making resolutions.
What Is a Theme?
A theme is a word or phrase that guides you and your decision-making through the year. You memorize this word or phrase and set your focus on it. With a theme, you take actions based on the theme, rather than taking actions hoping for a certain result.
A theme is different from resolutions because a theme is not a long list of to-dos. It’s not a forgettable goal you have to continually refer back to. It’s a mantra for your year.
Let’s say your theme for the year is “Love.” One action from that theme is that you plan to spend more time with loved ones.
If you were making a resolution, it would be something like, “Spend time every day with the people I love.” But then you miss a day and get discouraged. Then you miss several more days, and you get really discouraged. By February, you’ve given up your resolution.
But if you live from a theme (“Love”), and you miss a day, you can still “love” in hundreds of different ways. You can love by spending time with new friends. Or you can be kind (love) someone who wasn’t expecting it, or who really needed it.
How to Find a Theme
Think back on the past year and ask yourself these questions:
- What were some things I did that I’d wished I’d done more often?
- What character traits did I show that I wish I could exhibit more often?
- What have I learned about myself that will make me a better person?
- What’s the number one area of my life I’d like to improve?
- In 365 days from now, when I look back, what will I wish I would have done more?
To find a theme, keep it simple. One word or one phrase is all you need.
If you’re stumped on ideas, check out these theme ideas for the new year, with graphics you can download and use for your phone background.
With a theme, you have much more flexibility than resolutions. Even better, you’re not burdened with unnecessary guilt when you quit a resolution.
This year, let’s try living from a theme instead of New Year’s resolutions.
