How to Choose a Theme for the New Year

This is one of my favourite blogs to write because I love sharing how to choose a theme for the new year.

To set the record straight, choosing a theme is very different from setting New Year’s resolutions.  In fact, it’s been proven that resolutions almost always fizzle out.  So, let’s start by understanding what a theme actually is and what makes it more effective. 

WHY CHOOSE A THEME?

A theme is a word or words that embody what you want to amplify in your life. For me, choosing a theme serves as an inner compass telling me how I want to feel and what I need to do.  When you set goals or make decisions, your theme is a foundation that will guide you to stay true to what you want to create.

My theme nudges me to look at things in a simpler way and encourages me to do the things I want to do in my life – and to use my time wisely. It’s actually quite magical in its simplicity.

FIRST, LET’S TALK ABOUT COMPARING

You may be thinking…. “well, that’s you but I’m not much of a planner.” Well then, this Teddy Roosevelt quote is for you:

“Comparison is the thief of joy.”

My mission here is to share what works for me and yes, what I have taught for many years that has impacted others.  But, you do you.  Some of this may resonate and some may not – that’s okay. It’s all laid out for you to cherry pick what fits in your world.  No judgment, no guilt, no comparison.

HOW TO CHOOSE A THEME FOR THE NEW YEAR

Of course, themes are a great guide but action is what it’s all about.  Certainly, life can derail us. However, if you lay out intentions of how you want to feel and set a few goals that help you fulfill those intentions, things will get back on track for when you’re ready to tackle them.  Your theme brings you back to it time and again. And the actions you create are always rooted in your values and how you want to feel.

If that last bit overwhelmed you, don’t let it.  Here are the four steps in what I consider my proven process.

1. Reflection
2. Values & Vision
3. Theme or Word
4. Setting Intentions & Break it Into Goals

STEP 1: START WITH REFLECTION

It may seem counter-intuitive to start a planning process for the new year by looking back but, it’s an important piece.  By looking back, you can acknowledge your challenges (to let them go and not repeat them) and to celebrate your wins (so you attract more of that good stuff).

And, this is the great thing. It doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, here are three questions to kickstart that reflection process for you.

What did you accomplish in 2024? Even if you didn’t achieve all you set out to, there are always wins and accomplishments to celebrate. Be gentle with yourself and move away from self-blame and judgement.  Instead, focus on those achievements.

What didn’t work so well and why?  This isn’t meant to be negative but rather, a sign to acknowledge, accept and then let it go.

What was a positive force for you in 2024? Who was a positive force for you in 2024?  This can give you inklings of what and who you want more of in the new year.

These three questions may be all you need but if you want to dig deeper, you can download this reflection exercise and work through it on your own. This exercise is amazing so take your time with it. 

STEP 2: Values & Vision

You’ll find worksheets on my website that will walk you through identifying your values and creating your vision.  If you do only one thing, please do the values exercise because it all comes down to aligning your life with what means the most to you.  Download these free worksheets to get started.

STEP 3: Your Theme or Word 

After completing the exercises for reflection, vision and values, is there a common thread that jumps out at you?  Remember that this theme will serve as an inner compass telling you how you want to feel and what you need to do. It will provide answers when you make decisions or set goals of what you want to achieve in the new year. And, by choosing a theme for the new year you will show yourself more grace, self-compassion and be more intentional about how you want to live your life.

And if you need a brainstorm of ideas for your theme, I love this list from coach Lori Devries.

STEP 4: Setting Intentions & Goals

The first three steps may be enough for you and if so, that’s a beautiful thing.  However, if you are driven by specifics and want to delve deeper, here are two options: intentions and goals.

First, setting intentions. Intentions are powerful internal agreements that you make with yourself and then express through your actions.  They point you with more clarity towards your values and aspirations.  Further, intentions focus on how you want to feel about any area of your life.  And, language is everything.  For example, if you are creating an intention for Health & Wellness, it could look like this: “I make healthy choices that are rooted in supporting my mind, body and soul.”  Notice that it’s not about specific actions but instead, a high-level statement of how you want to feel.

From there, you can create goals that will help you fulfill your intentions.  This is where being specific helps.  For example, my goals that will help me achieve the aforementioned intention for my health and wellness may be: “Infuse movement in the form of yoga, meditation, gym and outdoor activities” five times per week.”

Thirsty for more – here is a fun blog I wrote with 3 steps to successful goal setting.

NOW IT’S YOUR TURN

In case you think it’s all too rigid, the truth is that it is meant to be fluid.  Shift gears if necessary.  However, by choosing a theme or setting intentions of ways to fulfill your theme — let’s face it, you have a fighting chance.

Of course, we all need help now and again so here is a list of tools and resources that may help.

• Browse through these worksheets that are available for free on my website.
• Another amazing resource is the methodology I created (and use every year) – Lighthouse’s hugely popular ‘Set Your Intentions for Your Best Life’ online course.  This self-directed mini course has online instruction and worksheets that will equip you with everything you need to identify your values, create a vision and to set intentions and goals to fulfill them. Use the code SYI2025 at checkout for 25% off.

Oh, and I’d love for you to share your 2025 theme in the comments.  And because I believe in walking the walk, check out my 2025 theme here! 💃

Here’s to a year of peace, love and compassion.