Hey Reader,

Last week, I shared why choosing a theme for 2026 is one of the most powerful things you can do right now. Your theme becomes what guides everything in your life for the year to include your goals, routines, and decisions.

Here are some examples of themes I shared. You can use one of these as your own or use them to help you brain storm of something that fits who you are:
​“Simplify & Shine”​
​“Protected Time”​
​“It’s My Turn”​
​“Steady Growth”​
​“Less Rush, More Life”​
​“The Year I Finish Things”

Today, let’s go a level deeper.
Let’s talk about how to actually create a yearly theme that sticks. A theme that you can live by, return to, and build on all year long.

1. Start With What You Wanted This Year

Look back at 2025 for a moment.

• What were you constantly wishing you had more of?
• What did you keep saying you’d get to “when things slow down”?
• What drained you?
• What brought you joy?

These questions reveal your emotional and energetic needs. Build your theme from the answers to these questions.

If you craved breathing room, a theme like “Less Rush, More Life” makes sense.
If you craved being seen again, “It’s My Turn” might be calling.
If you craved order and calm, “Simplify & Shine” might be perfect.

Your lived experience is the biggest clue.

2. Choose a Theme That Resolves a Pain Point

Your theme should solve a problem you’re tired of repeating.

Here are common patterns we deal with a lot in this stage of life:

• Overcommitment
• No personal time
• Creative drought
• Starting but not finishing
• A desire to finally prioritize YOU
• Wanting growth without pressure
• Letting go of guilt

Your theme is not a slogan.
It’s a commitment to a different way of living in 2026. It helps you create the change you want to see.

3. Make Your Theme Feel Like a Direction, Not a Destination

A theme isn’t a goal you can check off.

It’s a direction you walk in. It guides you.

For example:

• “Steady Growth” doesn’t promise perfection; it promises progress.
• “Protected Time” means you’ll make boundaries a non-negotiable.
• “Simplify & Shine” means removing what weighs you down so you can be the best you can.

Your theme should gently guide your choices not create added pressure to you.

4. Test Your Theme With This One Question

Ask yourself:

👉 If I lived by this theme for the next 12 months, what would change?

If the answer excites you, scares you (in a good way), or feels like relief:
you’re on the right track.

If the answer feels like more obligation, pressure, or perfectionism:
don't chose that one.

5. Put Your Theme Where You Will See It Daily

Themes fade when they live in your head.

Here are easy ways to embed it into your year:

• Put it at the top of your planner
• Make it your phone wallpaper
• Add it to your vision board
• Write it on a sticky note near your desk
• Include it in your morning routine check-in

Your theme should become a constant quiet reminder.

6. Remember: Your Theme Can Evolve

You don’t need a perfect theme today.

If you choose “Steady Growth” in January and by April it shifts to “Slow & Strong,” that’s okay.

You’re allowed to refine.
You’re allowed to grow.
You’re allowed to choose a theme that reflects where you are but that could change as you move through the year.

Your Turn: Start Brainstorming Your 2026 Theme

​
Now it’s time to explore your own possibilities.

Try filling in this sentence:

👉 “2026 is the year I… ________.”

Whatever you write in that blank will reveal the direction your theme wants to take.

I’ll be back next week with a guided exercise to help you finalize and lock in your 2026 theme.

Let’s build a year that supports the who you’re becoming. 💛

Be you, be focused, be well!

Keep flourishing,

Shanna

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