theme 2012

Dr. Stephen Covey said, “The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.”

As I go into 2012, my decided word for the year is “intentional”, so I can’t think of a better quote to keep in the forefront of my mind than this.

What is your word for 2012?

This past month I asked my Facebook friends this question, “For 2012, what’s your word going to be?”, and I framed it this way, “This is a word that you’re going to own to characterize yourself for the upcoming year”.  Friends posted words such as “selfless”, “boundaries”, “acceptance” and so on.  I loved reading these and so it got me thinking…  These aren’t just words.  They’re themes to live by that traverse many aspects of life such as work life, physical well being and relationships.

So as we approach the task of making personal improvements in the coming year (note; I did not use the word “resolutions” which could mean promises, pledges or vows), why not approach it in a less daunting way?

If you’re like me, maybe you want to do a number of things differently this year or maybe just one.  But there’s a simpler way to tackle this obstacle than a resolution.  Pick one “main thing” and like Covey says, keep it as the main thing.  In fact, I’d prefer to call it an overarching theme.  If you do that, you’re more likely to allow your theme to permeate other aspects of your life making it more likely to stick.  A resolution too often equates to an empty promise you can’t possibly live up to which becomes self-defeating once it goes awry.  You can’t fully recover once you broke it, so instead you give up or don’t even bother trying any longer. Themes are much more forgiving and can be reclaimed if you get off track throughout the year.

What is your “theme” for 2012?

And here’s another thought.  Do you remember Ally McBeal (Fox dramedy series that aired in late 90’s)?  You know, the one where Ally (Calista Flockhart) visits a therapist (Tracey Ullman) who urges her to choose a lively, danceable, “theme song” for her life?

Now, I’ll admit that character was a little kooky – and although entertaining, they were both a little half baked for reality – but the concept is solid.  Why not pick a quote and/or energizing theme song to go with your theme for 2012?  That way you have something you can go back to for inspiration to remind you of how you felt when you first picked your theme.  You are energized when you first commit to it, right?

This year, don’t bother making the inevitable short term resolution.  Try picking a main theme instead.  Then add a theme song or an inspiring quote.  But remember the main thing; Keep your main theme, the main theme.

We’d love to hear from you so please feel free to keep sharing your themes and theme songs with us!

ESM wishes you every success in 2012.  HAPPY NEW YEAR!