Are you tired of having the same New Year’s Resolutions year after year?
Laura Burkey, a Master Coach I worked with as a client (and think very highly of), introduced me and others to this idea and the process of setting themes instead of resolutions.
What would you do to make 2010 your best year ever?
I have set a Personal Living Theme for the past few years. I have enjoyed the difference of having a theme for the year instead of resolutions. It has been interesting to see the ways the theme has manifested itself in my life.
I love that there is no “failing” with a theme.
What is a Living Theme?
A living theme is a more powerful and engaging way to set off your new year than the old usual resolutions.
Have you ever noticed that resolution broken down means to re-solve?
Laura Burkey, a Master Coach, decided on setting themes instead of resolutions back in 1996 after years of starting each year with the same darn resolutions. She thought it was depressing and embarrassing to begin each year with the same resolutions…and having just begun her career as a coach…it was imperative to her that she be a model for getting positive results as consistently as possible. So, she shook the resolution thing up a bit.
I am posting this message in hopes of sharing this New Year’s tradition with you. (Thanks to Laura Burkey for sharing her theme concept and process with me.)
Here are my themes for the past 3 years:
In 2006 my theme was “Dare to Love!” I was excited about this theme. It was about LOVING with capital letters my life and what I was doing. The tag lines for this theme changed often. Some examples were: love myself, love my job, love those around me, love and appreciate the rough times and what they teach me, love my family and friends. This theme was about making a conscious decision not to settle for things I do not love and recognize and appreciate those that I do. This theme helped me in making decisions both big and small and raised my awareness in a positive way towards who I am and what I love.
In 2007 my theme was “The Year of New Beginnings.” The origin of this theme came from a statue of the Spring Goddess, or the Goddess of New Beginnings that my sister gave me. I was not sure where or how this theme would manifest itself (or where it came from after all the many changes of the past three years) but I wanted to be open and ready to making significant changes in my life. It truly was a year of new beginnings and growth! A few of the bigger beginnings were: starting several different jobs, creating Kinetic Life Coaching, LLC, moving into a house with my boyfriend, working with a new coach, meditating, and making new friends. I had more beginnings than I could ever have imagined and in areas I never even dreamed of. To me that is the beauty of a theme.
In 2008 my theme was “Break on Thru.” With this theme I was calling myself out of my comfort zone. This past year I signed up for a super expensive platinum coaching program which still makes me gulp when I think about what I have committed to. I got my life coaching website up (www.kineticlifecoaching.com) with a free report and became an equity partner in Main Street Financial Solutions, LLC (www.msfsolutions.com). I also consistently wrote in my journal which as a first for me.
This theme also reminds me of a powerful belief that “you cannot fail, there is only feedback.” My theme reminded me that I needed to be willing to do new or different things to “break thru” and get more information about myself and the world around me. If you keep doing what you have always done, you will keep getting what you always got.
In 2009 my theme was “Sparkling, Shining and Standing Out.” Which manifested itself with a gorgeous engagement ring, a beautiful wedding, starting my blog, speaking engagements, and my first tele-class. But most importantly I have been feeling happier and shining more often.
Creating a Theme may not be for everyone…or for you, ‘right now’. It’s just something I have enjoyed doing and would like to invite you to try it if you feel inspired by the concept.
Eliciting THE MOST relevant and powerful living theme takes time and thought.
Here are some simple steps to help you to find that perfect theme for you in 2010.
1. Start thinking of words, phrases or concepts that have a certain appeal or ‘spark’ to you when you think and say them to yourself. Consider words and phrases that you find would be relevant and inspirational to all areas of your life: personal, professional, spiritual, family, financial….
2. Look for inspirational quotes that (at this particular time) really speak to you.
(I like the website, thinkexist.com for finding quotes.)
3. Think about what you hope to attain or achieve by the end of 2010 as a result of your theme.
My strong recommendation is that you think in intangibles…consider feelings, senses, and beliefs you hope to experience vs. things you hope to have/possess.
(some examples of intangibles: “More Courage to do what I want”, “Confidence in myself”, “Love for myself and others”, “Being Present and/or Feeling Grateful”)
Your theme should become like a mantra for you.
It should inspire you and help you focus on who you want to be.
I am still pondering various themes for my 2010. I will share more in the next few weeks. It can take some time to come up with your theme so be patient. Also don’t be afraid to change your theme. Try some different themes on and see how they feel. You will know the right theme when you find it.
I would love to hear your themes / quotes / ideas that you like and are considering.