Hi Reader,

Last week we talked about what a yearly theme is and why it matters to your success.
This week, we’re going to choose yours;simply, intentionally, and without overthinking. We don't need to add another thing to our list for today. We need to add an intentional task that is going to produce results.

Think of today’s newsletter as a guided exercise you can do with a cup of tea and 10 quiet minutes.

Let’s go!

STEP 1 — Choose Your Top 3 Choices

Look back at the themes that you created last week.

Write down your top three choices for possible themes for 2026.

Don’t judge them. Just write them.

Some reminders of common themes:

• Simplify & Shine
• Protected Time
• It’s My Turn
• Steady Growth
• Less Rush, More Life
• The Year I Finish Things

Or anything else that keeps coming up for you.

STEP 2 — Ask 3 Clarifying Questions

Now take each theme and answer these three questions:

1. What problem would this theme solve for my life?
2. How would my life change if I focused on this theme consistently for 12 months?
3. Does this theme feel like pressure to perform or does it feel like it will push me to success?

Your heart will answer before your brain does, so pay attention.

STEP 3 — Visualize January With This Theme

Close your eyes for a moment and picture your life in early January.

If this were your theme for 2026…

• What choices would you make differently?
• How would your routines change?
• How would your planner pages look?
• What would you stop doing?
• What would become easier?

You're looking for the theme that creates a change in how you go about your daily routine. This change may even be a small one. But you are looking for a change.

STEP 4 — Choose the One That Feels Like a Direction

Remember: we’re not choosing a goal you must “achieve.”

You’re choosing a direction — the path you want to be on the next year.

Pick the theme that:

• feels doable,
• feels supportive,
• and gives you permission to grow at a pace you can actually maintain throughout the year.

Your theme should feel like a companion, not a drill sergeant.

STEP 5 — Make It Real (Right Now)

Once you choose your theme, put it somewhere you’ll see everyday:

• the top of your planner
• your lock screen
• a sticky note on your bathroom mirror
• a small card inside your wallet
• your January vision board

Themes fade away when you don't see them. Put yours where your future self can’t miss it.

If You Still Can't Decide…

Here’s a one-sentence tie-breaker:

👉 “If I lived by this theme for the next 12 months, would I become more like the person I want to be?”

If the answer is yes — that’s your theme.

If not — trust yourself enough to pick something else.

Next Week: Turning Your Theme Into Your First 2026 Plan

Now that your theme is becoming clear, next week I’ll walk you through how to:

• turn your theme into 2–3 focus areas
• build small habits that support your theme

Your theme is your anchor. The habits you create around it are the structure that will keep you moving forward.

We will keep building it together.

Be you, be focused, be well.

Keep flourishing,
Shanna

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