For the New Year: Pick a Theme that Inspires

Resolutions are so last year. Rather than restrictive goals we may or may not reach, why not pick a theme for this year? Something that inspires us in our hopes and dreams, not conspires to limit our possibilities. The New Year is an opportunity to take stock – look back at what we’ve accomplished and learned, and look forward to a fresh slate full of possibilities.

My theme for the year is “Listen Within.” This past year, I’ve focused on external goals and pushed myself hard to reach them. I realized that while the effort is noble, my mindset has been limited – I’ve been thinking I know exactly what I should be accomplishing in a certain amount of time, and I push myself mercilessly to get there. As a result, I’ve had mental and physical stress, shallow breathing, and self-destructive inner talk that undermines the whole endeavor. So this year, I’m backing off. This year, I’m listening within, not to my ego/mind chatter, but to the force that drives me toward my life purpose. I’m listening for the guidance and letting go of the rigid belief that I must know ahead of time what and how I’m accomplishing my ends.

What have you been reflecting on as this year ends and the new one begins? What have you learned about yourself and your search for satisfaction? If you were to pick a theme for the coming year, what would it be? Look for something that inspires you, something expansive and inclusive of your hopes and dreams.

Here are a few suggestions – verbs that speak to inspiration:

Add your own and tell us your theme for the year in the comment below. Make it an inspirational year!