Set Yourself Up for Success in 2025!

Forget Resolutions: Why You Should Choose a Yearly Theme Instead

As January approaches, social media becomes flooded with posts about New Year's resolutions. You know the ones: "Get fit," "Save money," "Learn a new language." Yet by February, most of these well-intentioned goals are already abandoned. What if there was a better way to approach personal growth? Enter the Theme System.


What Is the Theme System?

The Theme System, popularized by CGP Grey and Myke Hurley through their podcast Cortex, offers a refreshingly different approach to annual self-improvement. Instead of setting rigid, specific goals, you choose a broad theme that serves as a guiding principle for your decisions throughout the year.


Think of a theme as a lens through which you view your choices. While a resolution might be "go to the gym three times a week," a theme might be "The Year of Health." This subtle but powerful difference changes how you approach personal development.


Why Themes Work Better Than Resolutions

Flexibility Over Rigidity

Traditional resolutions often fail because they're too rigid. Miss a week at the gym, and you've "failed" your resolution. With a theme like "The Year of Health," every decision becomes an opportunity to align with your theme. Maybe you can't make it to the gym, but you can take the stairs instead of the elevator or choose a salad over fast food.


Process Over Outcomes

Resolutions typically focus on specific outcomes: lose 20 pounds, save $5,000, read 52 books. Themes, however, emphasize the process of improvement. A "Year of Learning" might lead you to read books, take courses, or try new hobbies – all valid ways to pursue your theme.


Mindset Over Metrics

While metrics can be useful, they can also be demotivating when we fall short. Themes shift the focus from numerical targets to mindset changes. Instead of tracking specific numbers, you ask yourself, "Does this choice align with my theme?"


How to Choose Your Theme

  1. Reflect on Your Past Year: Start by reviewing the previous year. What worked? What didn't? What patterns do you notice? What areas of your life feel neglected or need attention?
  2. Identify Areas for Growth: Look for broad categories where you'd like to see improvement. These might include health, relationships, career, creativity, learning, or personal organization.
  3. Consider Your Current Season of Life: Your theme should align with your life circumstances. If you're starting a new job, perhaps "The Year of Foundation" would be appropriate. If you've been feeling stuck, maybe "The Year of Adventure" would provide the right push.
  4. Keep It Simple: Your theme should be easy to remember and apply. It should feel like a natural filter for your decisions, not another item on your to-do list.


Implementing Your Theme

Once you've chosen your theme, implementation is surprisingly straightforward:


  • Create Visual Reminders: Put your theme somewhere you'll see it daily – your phone wallpaper, a sticky note on your mirror, or your journal cover.
  • Use It as a Decision-Making Tool: When faced with choices, ask yourself, "What would the person living my theme do?"
  • Regular Check-Ins: Schedule monthly reviews to reflect on how your theme is influencing your choices and what adjustments you might need to make.
  • Share Your Theme: Tell friends or family about your theme. This creates accountability and might inspire others to adopt the system.


Example Themes and Their Applications

  • The Year of Less
  • Decluttering your space
  • Simplifying your schedule
  • Reducing digital consumption
  • Mindful spending


  • The Year of Connection
  • Prioritizing family time
  • Reaching out to old friends
  • Joining community groups
  • Being more present in conversations


  • The Year of Creativity
  • Trying new hobbies
  • Taking on different projects at work
  • Finding creative solutions to problems
  • Expressing yourself through various mediums


As you approach the new year, consider breaking free from the resolution cycle. Choose a theme that resonates with your aspirations and current life situation. Remember, the beauty of the Theme System lies in its flexibility and focus on continuous improvement rather than rigid goals.

The system acknowledges that life is complex and changing. Some weeks you'll feel highly aligned with your theme; others, less so. That's not failure – it's reality. What matters is having a north star to guide your decisions and help you grow in the direction you want to go.


So, what will your theme be this year?

Dive-In Movies at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas: Summer 2025

June 9, 2025
This summer, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas invites guests to its iconic Boulevard Pool for the return of Dive-In Movies, a unique poolside cinema experience. Every Monday evening from May 19 to September 1, guests can enjoy a selection of blockbuster hits and timeless classics projected on a 65-foot digital marquee, all while lounging poolside or taking a dip in the pool. Event Details: • Dates: Mondays, May 19 – September 1, 2025 • Doors Open: 6:15 PM • Movie Starts: 8:00 PM • Location: Boulevard Pool, Level 3, accessible via the Boulevard Tower escalators • Admission: $15 for non-hotel guests; $10 for Las Vegas locals with valid ID; complimentary for hotel guests, Identity Membership & Rewards members, first responders, and military personnel with valid ID; children aged 5 and under are free. Upcoming Movie Lineup: • June 9: Harry Potter & The Sorcerer’s Stone • June 16: Wicked • June 23: The Goonies • June 30: Top Gun • July 4th: Top Gun: Maverick • July 7: Despicable Me • July 14: Inside Out 2 • July 21: Happy Gilmore • July 28: Elf • August 4: Lilo & Stitch • August 11: Twilight • August 18: Mean Girls • August 25: Legally Blonde • September 1: Good Burger  For those seeking a more luxurious experience, cabana and daybed reservations are available, which include a food and beverage minimum and complimentary admission to Dive-In Movies. Reservations can be made by calling 702.698.6797. Whether you're a hotel guest or a local resident, Dive-In Movies at The Cosmopolitan offer a memorable way to enjoy a night out under the stars with the Las Vegas Strip as your backdrop. The above info is subject to change, stay up to date on The Cosmopolitans website. https://cosmopolitanlasvegas.mgmresorts.com/en/entertainment/dive-in-movies.html

Wagging Tails Rescue: Giving Hope to Homeless Dogs in Las Vegas

June 4, 2025
Nestled in the heart of Las Vegas, Wagging Tails Rescue is a dedicated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to saving homeless and abandoned dogs from high-kill shelters and owner surrenders. Unlike traditional shelters, Wagging Tails Rescue operates through a network of loving volunteers and foster homes, providing temporary safe havens for dogs — especially pregnant moms and orphaned puppies — until they find their forever families. With no physical facility, the rescue’s strength lies in its community of passionate foster caregivers who nurture these pups with love, care, and attention. Beyond rescuing dogs, Wagging Tails Rescue champions responsible pet ownership through education on spay/neuter, positive behavior training, and proper nutrition. Want to meet some of these adorable dogs and maybe even adopt? Keep an eye on their Instagram @waggingtailsrescuelv for updates on frequent adoption events. From fun puppy yoga sessions to gatherings at Petco and even “Puppies and Pints” at Lovelady Brewery, there are plenty of opportunities to support and connect with this amazing rescue. Every wagging tail tells a story — and at Wagging Tails Rescue, those stories always end with hope and a happy home.

Las Vegas Parking Guide

May 27, 2025
If you’re a first-time visitor to Las Vegas, the idea of paying for parking might not be as big of a deal as it is to those of us who’ve been around for a while. Just a few years ago, it was practically unheard of to pay for parking on The Strip. Free parking was a standard expectation for both locals and casino guests alike. But times have changed, and many of the big casinos along the iconic Las Vegas Strip have started charging for parking. While we’ll let you draw your own conclusions about whether or not parking fees are justified (locals, we feel your pain), we’re here to guide you on where to park on the Las Vegas Strip. So, buckle up, and check out our list to see where you can park for free as a local! First three hours of self-parking are free for locals: • The Aria • The Bellagio • Caesar’s Palace • The Cosmopolitan • The Cromwell • The Excalibur • The Flamingo • The LINQ • Luxor • The MGM & Park MGM • Planet Hollywood • Wynn & the Encore Free Parking across the board • Rio • The Palms As a final tip when it comes to visiting the strip: Check and see if the casino does any sort of parking validation. A lot of times they will give you free parking if you spend a certain amount of money inside, are a guest (on a staycation) or are a certain tier level among their rewards programs. Remember, it never hurts to ask. If you're visiting Las Vegas, be sure to check with your hotel about whether parking and valet services are included when you book your room. It's a cost worth factoring into your trip planning!
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