Happy New Year! Yes I’m a day late. But I’m very excited for what this year has to offer. One of my biggest things to do at the start of the year is to create my quarterly themes. These themes are birthed from areas in life that I want to focus on and become better in.

For example last year I decided I want to step out the box more when it came to creativity at work. As I reflect I was VERY creative in a lot of areas including implementing a HUGE social media plan at a major conference with over 2000 attendees; I  also put together some unique brown bag presentations teaching people how to communicate and use social media; and I  helped an organization I volunteer with start to brainstorm on creative ways to entice volunteers.

A personal theme was to be better when it came to fostering friendships. By saying that out loud and writing it down I exceeded my own expectations in that area. I saw my friends (both near and far) more in 2012 than I have in YEARS. I did all sorts of craziness to make it happen including just this past weekend going to North Carolina Friday and Saturday and then driving back to DC to wake up Sunday morning to head to New York for brunch with friends. Was I tired? Yes, but the time with friends was well worth it.

Because I’ve been so busy I’m still hashing out this year’s themes. Because I’m a HUGE list maker I do have some ideas brewing. While brainstorming late last night I did come up with my overarching theme for the year which is to recognize my own greatness on a daily basis.

That isn’t meant to be conceited or self-serving but it’s really to make a better me which then makes me a better employee, communicator, writer, friend, servant of the community and the list goes on.

When you feel great about yourself and remember how much you offer to world you can make such an impact. Then that is reflected when you work with clients, or deal with your co-workers, or have a tough situation at work. It gives you the boost to say I can get through this. I have the ability to make change because I know I’m great and I’m great at what I do.

I found an article while researching on a site called the DailyOm called “The Greatness in Others, Recognizing our Own Greatness.” This solidified my overarching theme and will be what I turn back to as a resource throughout the year.

So I challenge you instead of making resolutions, try a theme for the year. If you can find an article that inspires you in that area, even better! I didn’t realize how much of a difference it made until I reflected back on my accomplishments of 2012.