Yearly Themes Forge Identity and Intentionality for Focused Living
TL;DR
- Defining a year by a theme shifts focus from a chore to an identity, enabling sustained behavioral change by framing actions as inherent to that identity rather than external obligations.
- A yearly theme acts as a clarifying rubric for decision-making, guiding the acceptance or rejection of opportunities to align with the overarching intention for the year.
- Adopting a theme like "the year of recuperation" allows individuals to consciously decline non-essential commitments, thereby prioritizing personal well-being without guilt.
- Framing goals as defining experiences, such as "the year you become a runner," fosters resilience by encouraging continued effort after setbacks, reinforcing the identity rather than punishing missed actions.
- Choosing a theme provides a sense of focus and intentionality, preventing time from passing aimlessly and positioning individuals to actively shape their year toward desired outcomes.
Deep Dive
Choosing a theme for the upcoming year offers a powerful framework for intentionality, transforming abstract resolutions into lived experiences and providing a rubric for decision-making. This approach shifts focus from discrete tasks to an encompassing identity, enabling individuals to navigate choices and prioritize actions that align with their chosen annual focus, thereby preventing time from passing without clear purpose.
Defining a year by a concept, such as "the year of gratitude" or "the year of intentionality," provides a guiding mindset for evaluating opportunities and shaping daily activities. This thematic framing elevates goals from mere to-do items to deeply integrated aspects of self-identity, such as envisioning oneself as "a runner" rather than simply aiming to run a set number of times per week. This identity-based approach fosters resilience, as missing a single instance of a habit does not derail the overarching theme, but rather reinforces the runner's inherent identity. Alternatively, a year can be themed around specific activities, like "the year of dinner parties," encouraging engagement with desired pursuits. For those experiencing hardship, a theme of "recuperation" or "rest" serves as a vital rubric, justifying the prioritization of self-care and the selective acceptance of commitments, thereby ensuring that the year's focus is honored.
Ultimately, establishing a yearly theme, regardless of its nature--whether self-improvement, enjoyment, or recovery--provides a clarifying focus. Without such intentionality, the rapid passage of time can lead to a feeling of unproductiveness or a lack of clear direction by year's end. By proactively selecting and committing to a theme, individuals are better positioned to manifest their intentions and make meaningful use of their time.
Action Items
- Create annual theme: Define one concept or mindset to guide choices and shape daily activities for the upcoming year.
- Draft identity-based habit goals: Frame desired habits as identity shifts (e.g., "become a runner") to foster intrinsic motivation and resilience.
- Establish recuperation theme: If past year was difficult, set "recuperation" or "rest" as the year's focus to prioritize recovery and guide opportunity selection.
- Plan intentional activities: Identify 3-5 activities to increase engagement with (e.g., "year of dinner parties") to add focus and enjoyment.
Key Quotes
"Choosing a theme can provide clarity and give time a focus."
Laura explains that selecting a theme for the upcoming year can offer a sense of clarity and purpose. This focus helps in distinguishing one year from another, whether looking forward or reflecting backward.
"A word can help define a mindset, which you can then use as you weigh different choices. Perhaps this is the year of saying yes, or the year of gratitude, or the year of intentionality."
Laura suggests that a chosen word for the year can establish a guiding mindset. This mindset then serves as a framework for decision-making, with examples like "the year of saying yes" or "the year of gratitude."
"I like this framing because it makes the goal an aim and a defining experience, part of your identity, rather than a chore. New Year's resolutions occasionally feel oppressive, but a theme changes things."
Laura finds value in framing goals as defining experiences and part of one's identity, contrasting this with the potentially burdensome nature of New Year's resolutions. She posits that a theme transforms the approach to goals.
"Instead, what you are saying is that you are envisioning yourself as a runner on December 31st and behaving in accordance with that identity in the meantime."
Laura illustrates how adopting an identity, such as "a runner," shifts the focus from specific actions to embodying that identity. This means acting in ways consistent with being a runner throughout the year.
"When you know that is what the year is all about, you have a rubric for choosing which opportunities to accept and which ones to let pass you by."
Laura highlights that a defined theme for the year acts as a guiding principle for making choices. This rubric helps in deciding which opportunities align with the year's overarching focus and which do not.
"If we aren't intentional about what we want for the year, it is easy to find ourselves on December 31st, wondering what even happened."
Laura emphasizes the importance of intentionality in setting a focus for the year. Without such intention, she warns that time can pass quickly, leading to a feeling of disorientation at year's end.
Resources
External Resources
People
- Laura - Host of the Before Breakfast podcast, provides email address for listener feedback.
- Julian Edelman - Mentioned in relation to Morning Uncrustables sandwiches.
- Gronk - Mentioned in relation to Morning Uncrustables sandwiches.
Organizations & Institutions
- iHeart Radio - Producer of the Before Breakfast podcast.
- iHeart Media - Producer of the Before Breakfast podcast.
Websites & Online Resources
- IVeemhealth.com - Website for the IVeem medical weight loss program.
- Lauravanderkem.com - Email address for listener feedback to Laura.
Other Resources
- Morning Uncrustables sandwiches - Mentioned as a snack with protein.
- IVeem - Mentioned as a medical weight loss program.