What’s your New Year resolution like?

I was never good at keeping New Year’s resolutions. I’d be good for a month or two and that’s it. Until late 2012, a couple of friends and I heard from somewhere that doing a “theme” for the year would be better. That one theme that would guide your decisions and direction for the year to come. It proved to be a much more awesome way to get excited and revved up for the brand new year. Here are a few ideas for you:

1. #Explore2014

What your resolution would’ve been like: “I want to travel more this year and go to places I’ve never been to.”

What the theme means for you: Traveling is always a good idea. Always. But to “explore” isn’t limited to just traveling and getting on a plane. As they say, you can be a tourist even in your hometown. #Explore2014 for you would mean trying that new restaurant beside that restaurant you always go to where you always order the same thing, or going out more often with a new circle of friends, or adding simple, little new things like experimenting with making your own coffee in your daily routine life.

2. #Fitness2014

What your resolution would’ve been like: “I promise to work out four times a week.”

What the theme means to you: Oh, the countless workout promises that are never kept. Instead of disappointing yourself early in the year by not keeping up with your resolution to work out X amount of hours X times a week, just keep a mindset of fitness for the year. From trying new workouts, to spending your free hour doing cardio instead of reading your social media, to the food choices you make every day. Smarter choices, that’s what #Fitness2014 can be for you.

3. #NoExcuses2014

What your resolution would’ve been like: “This year, I just really want to stick to what I say I will do.”

What the theme means to you: If you ever find yourself at a crossroad this year, with two (or more) big choices looming over you, remind yourself of your goals and remind yourself that it is #NoExcuses2014. When you are staring at your office desk, looking at the clock, with a few more hours ‘til your deadline? Remember, #NoExcuses2014. When you are setting your alarm clock for the next day and know you have to wake up an hour earlier to workout, remember #NoExcuses2014. It’ll be a good push.

4. #Bucketlist2014

What your resolution would’ve been like: “I will finally go skydiving. And perform in public. And write that story.”

What the theme means to you: We all have a bucket list but wait until we are 30 or 40 or 50 or hit some life milestone before we check an item off. Why wait? Bucket lists take a lifetime to complete so why not start now? This theme is a challenge for you to not only check off the items that you can, but for you to add new items to dream of doing. Travel to South Africa, help a complete stranger, take a road trip cross-country, try martial arts, learn how to cook. The possibilities are endless.

5. #Commitment2014

What your resolution would’ve been like: “I don’t want to be a flaker anymore.”

What the theme means for you: It means going all in. To commit to your relationship, to your work, to your advocacy, to make time for family and friends, and even to your dreams. When work gets tough and people around you are making it even tougher for you, your #Commitment2014 theme may just be the motivation you need. When you promised your family that you’ll start having Sunday lunch together, make that effort. Make a list of things you want to commit yourself to this year, and stick to it.

6. #Beauty&Wellness2014

What your resolution would’ve been like: “I work too hard, I promise to pamper myself more.”

What the theme means for you: When you work too hard or when you think about everyone else before yourself so often that you forget personal grooming one too many times, this is the theme for you. “But I need to attend to my kids first because…” or “I am just so tired after a long day’s work...” or “I don’t have time...” This year, make time to pamper yourself. Get that manicure or foot spa, that massage or wax, that eye cream or hair treatment. You should look in that mirror and feel great about yourself. 

7. #NoToDrama2014

What your resolution would’ve been like: “I will take out all the negative people from my life!”

What the theme means for you: Taking out negativity in your life might sound too Joel Osteen for you, but it is a great mindset to start and guide your year. There are so many telenovela-like scenes in life nowadays (from the news to your neighbor’s life) that your life should be just stress-free and drama-free. When a situation comes up that spells and smells too dramatic for you, just remember to stay logical and rational, and say #NoToDrama2014. 

8. #WorkHardPlayHard2014

What your resolution would’ve been like: “I want to have a proper work-life balance.”

What the theme means for you: It takes a lot of work to achieve a harmonious work-life balance, but it can be done. When it’s only the hump day and all you want is the weekend, just think, #WorkHardPlayHard2014 and reward yourself with an all-out night out, or a massage by the beach come weekend time. Or plan a getaway with family or friend for a few days right after working your ass off for a big project at work. Instead of being mediocre at work and having just “okay” weekends, go all out and work hard, play hard.

9. #Organize2014

What your resolution would’ve been like: “I promise to keep my room/workspace/home clean.”

What the theme means for you: If you are sick and tired of your personal space being messy and disorganized, or if you have trouble keeping track of your schedules, if your laptop desktop and cellphone inbox are practically battlefields, then this is the theme for you. It won’t just motivate you to keep physical spaces around you clean and orderly, it will push you to organize your daily schedule, life, and weekly or monthly goals. 

10. #Fearless2014

What your resolution would’ve been like: “I promise to take more risks.”

What the theme means for you: Things you would otherwise say “No, thank you” to, challenges you would face but you would say “That’s not for me,” this year should turn into “Yes,” or “I’m game for that!” Stop living such a safe life and push yourself out of your comfort zone more than the usual. Seek adventure, don’t be the party pooper, and never say “never.” It will be one of the best decisions of your life. 

* * *

Last year, my theme was #Fearless2013 and it proved to be one of the best years of my life. This year I have decided to carry on the fearless spirit, but to add my new theme to it: #StepAhead2014. I challenge myself to beat my personal best every single time, to do things based on how they will affect me in the long run and not just for the now, and to think not just of my next step but the step after that as well. 

I wish us all our best year ever! And truly, that is going to be up to us. I would love to hear about your theme for this year. E-mail me at askiamsuperbianca@yahoo.com or message me on Twitter @iamsuperbianca.