The Appeal of “Theme”—Not Goals—As a Guiding Light
Feeling overwhelmed by goal setting and figuring out what improved version of yourself you want to become in 2024?
I have an alternative for you: establish a theme for the year centered on your values.
Shift away from considering specific achievements, goals, or milestones and instead contemplate the qualities you want to characterize your desired future. What kind of person do you want to be? What character skills do you want to develop?
No judgment on more intensive annual planning processes! I love those, too. But this offers something for people who don’t have the time or desire to do all the things or who have done all the things but still struggle to concisely define what they want from their future.
The appeal of a theme lies in its flexibility.
Rather than fixating on the intricacies of specific goals, a theme allows us to distill our aspirations into overarching qualities that resonate with our core values.
Imagine embracing a theme of “growth,” for instance. Instead of crafting a detailed plan, the focus shifts to cultivating a mindset that can navigate setbacks with persistence and perspective. Growth becomes a guiding light, shaping your response to challenges and infusing your journey with strength and adaptability.
A theme provides a compass rather than a roadmap.
It allows for spontaneity and creativity, encouraging us to adapt and evolve as we progress towards our envisioned future.
Another perk of this approach is its accessibility. Unlike goal-setting, which often requires intricate planning and execution, a theme allows for a more organic, intuitive process. It's an invitation to savor the journey rather than fixate on the destination, to align our actions with our values.
Simplicity in this context does not equate to a lack of ambition; rather, it fosters a deeper connection with the essence of our desires. By choosing a theme, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities and unforeseen opportunities. It's a strategic simplicity that recognizes and embraces the complexity of life without getting bogged down in it.
Instead of compartmentalizing our aspirations into different areas of life, we recognize the interconnectedness of our goals. A theme like "mindfulness" doesn't just apply to a meditation practice; it can permeate our work, relationships, and personal growth, creating a more integrated and harmonious life.
In the simplicity of a theme, we find the freedom to explore, to learn, and to grow without being tied to specific circumstances or achievements. It's about distilling our desires into a few potent qualities that will serve as the foundation for a fulfilling and purpose-driven life.
My theme for 2024 is presence.
I want to show up wholeheartedly for myself, my family, my friends, my clients, and my purpose. I want to metabolize life and all it brings with equanimity, not overly emphasizing the easy things or shying away from the hard.