It's that time of year again. Social media is flooded with ambitious New Year's resolutions: lose 20 pounds, run a marathon, read 52 books, finally organize that garage. And by February? Most of us have quietly abandoned ship, feeling like we've already failed at the year before it's barely begun.

This year, my husband and I are doing something different. We're choosing yearly themes instead.

What's a Yearly Theme?

I first came across this concept in this video, and it completely shifted how I think about setting intentions for the year. Instead of rigid goals with pass/fail outcomes, a yearly theme is a broad direction for your year—a guiding principle that helps you make decisions about how you spend your time and energy.

The beauty of a theme? It can't fail. There are only successes, big and small, and endless flexibility to adapt as life happens (because it always does).

Our Themes for This Year

My husband has chosen the "Year of Movement." He wanted to prioritize his health, but "health" felt too broad—so he narrowed it slightly to movement, and it's been the perfect fit for him. He's been moving in little ways: taking walks, taking the stairs, dancing in the kitchen while we make dinner, doing a 12-minute yoga video before bed, and stretching throughout the day (a fun surprise way of moving we didn't originally think about). When he's deciding how to spend a Saturday afternoon, he can simply ask: "Does this serve my theme of movement?" If yes, great! If no, maybe he'll think twice. And if he decides to spend that Saturday watching a documentary instead? That's okay too. No guilt, no failure.

I've chosen the "Year of Family." This theme resonates deeply with me right now. It means putting my phone down during dinner, sending a quick text to check in, saying yes to more time with my nieces and nephews, and planning a trip to visit my brother. Every time I make a choice that creates connected and quality-filled interactions with family, I get that boost of good brain chemicals. This theme will ebb and flow throughout the year, but I know it will serve me well.

The Power of Doing

This concept of themes ties beautifully into something I talk about regularly with my clients, both young and aging: the importance of continuing to do.

I often have clients of all ages ask me what they should do to keep from aging too quickly, losing independence, or feeling stuck. My answer is always the same: Keep doing. It doesn't matter exactly what you do or how often—you just need to keep doing things that you love, enjoy, or feel fulfilled by on a regular basis.

When our physical bodies change (and they will), we need to keep doing those things in a different way, or find new things to do. Maybe you can't run anymore, but you can walk. Maybe you can't garden on your knees, but you can use raised beds or container gardens. Maybe you can't knead bread dough by hand, but you can use a stand mixer. Maybe you can't drive yourself to book club anymore, but you can catch a ride with a friend or join a virtual one. Maybe your hands aren't steady enough for intricate needlework, but you can try a loom or paint with bold brushstrokes. The key is to never stop doing.

This is where a yearly theme becomes so powerful. A good theme keeps us doing.

Finding Your Theme

Your theme doesn't have to be profound or life-changing. It just needs to resonate with you right now, in this season of your life. Here are some examples to spark ideas:

Novelty: Seeking new experiences, trying new recipes, exploring unfamiliar places, learning a new skill
Joy: Prioritizing activities and people that bring genuine happiness
Completion: Finishing projects, tying up loose ends, following through, organizing what's been put off
Reading: Making time for books, audiobooks, learning, or storytelling
Love: Deepening relationships, showing care, being vulnerable, reaching out
Mobility: Keeping your body moving and strong in whatever way feels good
Connection: Nurturing friendships, joining groups, staying socially engaged
Independence: Building skills and systems that support your autonomy
Healing: Giving yourself time and space to recover, rest, and grow
Creativity: Making art, music, crafts, or finding new ways to express yourself

Your theme might evolve throughout the year, and that's perfectly fine. The point isn't perfection—it's direction.

How to Use Your Theme

Once you've chosen your theme, it becomes a gentle filter for your decisions. When you're faced with free time or a choice about how to spend your energy, simply ask yourself: "Does this serve my theme?"

If it does, wonderful! You're living your theme, no matter how small the action. Sent that text? Success. Took a walk around the block? Success. Said no to something that didn't align with your priorities? Also success.

If it doesn't serve your theme, you might think twice. And if you still decide to do it? That's okay too. Your theme is a guide, not a dictator.

A Different Kind of New Year

So this year, I'm not making resolutions that I'll abandon by Valentine's Day. I'm choosing a theme that will guide me gently through the months ahead. I'm giving myself permission to succeed in countless small ways, and I'm committing to keep doing—because doing is living.

What will your theme be this year?

Looking for support in staying active, independent, and engaged as you age? That's what qualOT of life is all about. Reach out—I'd love to help you keep doing the things you love.

Warmest wishes,

Dr. Lyndi

Forget Resolutions: Why I'm Choosing a Theme Instead