Every year I have a theme. No resolutions, which I’d just break by tomorrow and hate myself for the next day. Just a guiding principle, a phrase to think of when faced with laziness, lack of focus, or a looming decision (or, more likely, indecision).
Last year it was Live Lovely because I really needed a fresh way of thinking of life after turning in my tenure dossier. The year before was Put Yourself Out There because I needed to be brave when my first book was published.
Sometimes I have subthemes for certain parts of the year. Like during my sabbatical this fall it was Finish the Fucking Novel. Which I basically did.
This year the theme is Dig Deep because that’s what I need to do. In my writing and thinking and reading and blogging, even my cooking with my daughter. We’re armed with lots of new kitchen tools and cookbooks. I’ve got essay ideas brewing and notes for blog posts. I’ve started reading Les Miserables, and I’ve finished 87 of 1463 pages.
And in Digging Deep, I hope to do what Neil Gaiman wished for us all this past year:
Make glorious, amazing mistakes. Make mistakes nobody’s ever made before. Don’t freeze, don’t stop, don’t worry that it isn’t good enough, or it isn’t perfect, whatever it is: art, or love, or work or family or life.
Whatever it is you’re scared of doing, Do it.
Make your mistakes, next year and forever.
ph.d. in creative writing 
I really like this idea of a theme. I’ve never been one for resolutions, so this is a great idea.
Wishing you well for 2013!
Thanks, Rebecca! Now you know you have to tell me if you come up with one! 🙂
– kelcey
Thanks, I think back on all the stupid, dangerous, selfish, boring mistakes I have made and realize that is called living. Time to do more.
I love the idea of a theme rather than a resolution – I guess in hindsight, last year’s theme would have been “start writing” for me. This year, I think it has to be “push myself”. I need to try to write something meatier, and to get some stuff published.
Yes, Cheval, those mistakes are all part of life. Here’s to more “glorious, amazing mistakes” instead of boring ones!
And bluedeckshoe, I also pick themes that are more like commands so that I can yell them at myself when I’m tempted to slack. Good luck pushing yourself this year!
-kelcey
Finally a solution for those of who fail at “resolutions” on day two or three (ahem, I might mean me). Themes are a great idea. I’m going to give it a try.