Choose a Theme for 2022

There’s endless advice on setting goals for the new year, starting fresh and sparking a year of success. While the new year does bring a fresh start for some, for others challenges didn’t take a hiatus for the holiday or it’s just not the time for a wholesale refresh. Maybe you’re like me, and you’re just getting around to really thinking about the year ahead. Better late than never!

Rather than goals, we like the idea of setting a theme for the year. A word or words to help guide decisions and hold you close to your personal values and biggest priorities. Themes can carry across the many roles of your life, work and play. A theme also weathers challenges and adapts to life changes, in fact it can help you navigate these. After all, we are still in the middle of a pandemic. Niklas Göke said it well, “a theme isn’t worried about tomorrow, nor does it care what happened yesterday. All that matters is what you do today.” 

There are many lists out there to help you brainstorm your own themes, thegoalchaser.com offers a list and a great place to start. Before you jump into any list of potential themes, think about what you want more and/or less of in 2022. What is most important to you? These reflections will help you sort through and try on themes. 

Write your theme word(s) down and put them in a place that is highly visible. Give yourself a visual reminder of what is important to you. Let it give you the permission to make choices based on your values and priorities this year.