Why a Theme Word is Better Than a Resolution for the New Year

The New Year is often the time when people start to focus on their goals and aspirations for the coming year. You may have heard that the key to a successful year is setting New Year's Resolutions. Setting New Year's resolutions can be a great way to help you meet those goals, but it's not always easy.

And is it really the best thing to do?

Could it be that you are setting yourself up for failure? Especially since by far and large the majority of resolutions are dropped by the end of February.

It can be difficult to set resolutions so instead why not use that energy to focus on choosing a theme word?

A theme word can be used as an overarching goal or guidepost in your life. It will help you maintain focus, empower you with purpose and provide guidance throughout the upcoming year.

A theme word provides the opportunity both to become more focused and feel more empowered. It can help you maintain your focus and concentrate on your goals, which in turn is likely to lead to them being reached.

Theme words are much more manageable and they still allow you to work towards your goal in an effective manner. For example, if your theme word is "organize," then each day try to find ways that will help you organize your life just a little bit more. For example, you could plan out all of next week's meals on Sunday night so that there isn't any stress during the week, and thus avoid the temptation to order take-out.

The Benefits of a Theme Word:

1. You will be able to stay focused on that goal all year long . It's too easy for resolutions to get pushed to the side when they're not simple and straightforward like "read more books," or "exercise every day." With a theme word, you'll be able to focus on your goal in bite-sized chunks that are easy to maintain.

2. If you're working towards a big goal, writing it down can help . It's possible that you won't remember what your theme word is in a year when the time comes, if it's just in your head. But if you write it down, you'll be able to carry it with you wherever you go!

3. Understanding why you chose your theme word can help keep you motivated . What is your "WHY"? Maybe "organize" was your theme word because there are so many things that need to be organized in your life right now; even if it's not the house, there are other ways that you can be more organized in your life.

4. You'll feel empowered when you see how many things you accomplish! Resolutions are often described as "I will" statements- like, "I will read three books this year." But with a theme word, it becomes easier to think in terms of "I did." After all, you're checking things off of your list!

Choosing a Theme Word:

I have been doing this for several years and I can tell you what has worked for me and what I really believe can universally work for everyone. Instead of just picking a random word put some serious thought and reflection into it.

But more than that spend some time in prayer truly seeking, asking, begging God to reveal a word for you.

Why is this important? Well, I think that this is important because I believe that God can and will speak His word into your life.

You may be wondering how you will know it's God. I believe that God has a way of speaking into our heart, mind, and soul in a way that each of us know that it is Him. In other words, when you know you know!

It's never too late to do this. If you can do this before January 1 that's great. If not, if you're just now reading this or thinking about this then start now!

Trust and believe that God has a plan for your life, wants the best for you, and has a word for you!