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
- 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?
- 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.
- 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.
- 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?
When people think of food diversity in America, their minds usually go straight to New York City. But according to a recent study highlighted by the esteemed culinary school, Escoffier, the Big Apple doesn’t take the top spot. Instead, San Francisco claimed first place — praised for its bustling variety of cuisines and holding the title for the highest density of restaurants per capita among major U.S. cities. What’s even more exciting for us locals? Las Vegas earned the #9 spot on the list of the most diverse food cities in the country. Why Vegas Stands Out Las Vegas may be known worldwide for its neon lights and entertainment, but the dining scene is what keeps both tourists and residents hungry for more. From celebrity chef–driven restaurants on the Strip to hidden neighborhood gems serving authentic global flavors, Vegas has transformed into a true culinary destination. While seven of the top 10 cities named in the study were coastal (a trend Escoffier notes is tied to cultural diversity and a robust restaurant scene), Las Vegas proves that you don’t have to sit on the coast to experience world-class variety. Our city thrives on international influence — with dining options that range from Korean barbecue and Italian trattorias to Thai street food, upscale steakhouses, and plant-based fine dining. A Foodie Destination on the Rise Being ranked in the top 10 isn’t just a nod to the Strip’s luxury restaurants, but also to the everyday spots that locals love. With new eateries opening regularly, the Vegas dining scene continues to evolve and surprise. So, whether you’re a longtime resident or just visiting, Las Vegas offers something for every craving — proving once again that this city is more than just an entertainment capital. It’s a place where cultures, flavors, and creativity come together to make the dining experience as dynamic as the city itself.
In business, one truth always stands out: no one succeeds alone. Whether you’re running a small business or managing a large organization, your success is built on the connections you make. And one of the simplest yet most impactful ways to strengthen those relationships is through gratitude. At McKenna Property Management, we’ve made gratitude a core part of our culture from the very beginning. Our owner and broker, Jenni McKenna, personally hand-delivers gifts to some of our VIP agents every single month . While it may sound like a small gesture, it makes a big difference. These thoughtful touches show our VIP Agents how much we value their trust in us, collaboration, and hard work. But it’s not just about the gifts. Gratitude comes in many forms—thank-you cards, handwritten notes, or even a quick phone call to say “we appreciate you.” What matters most is the consistency and authenticity behind the gesture. Over the years, these small acts of appreciation have helped us build trust, loyalty, and long-lasting relationships that go beyond a simple business transaction. By showing genuine appreciation, we’ve created strong bonds with clients and agents alike, and those connections have allowed McKenna Property Management to grow into what it is today. If you’re a business owner or professional, here’s our tip: make gratitude part of your business strategy. It doesn’t have to be extravagant—even the simplest “thank you” can strengthen relationships and open the door to new opportunities. At the end of the day, business isn’t just about numbers—it’s about people. And people remember how you make them feel. 💙
Planning a trip to Las Vegas? Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the options. As locals, we know how to balance the must-see attractions with spots that many visitors miss. This four-day itinerary blends the energy of the Strip with the character of the neighborhoods beyond it, giving you a true taste of what Vegas has to offer. Day 1 – The Main Event: Everything Happening on the Strip Morning: Start with brunch at Alexxa’s in Paris Las Vegas , where the drinks come in disco balls and the atmosphere is upscale, modern, and trendy. Every Saturday and Sunday, a live DJ keeps the vibe upbeat while you enjoy brunch from 7:00 AM to 2:45 PM . Afternoon: Stroll through the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens , an ever-changing floral masterpiece perfect for photos (and a break from the casino floor). Each season the gardens transform into a different showcase of sights, sounds, scents and colors. The conservatory team changes out the design, and replant and repurpose as much of the living plant material as possible. Evening: Dinner at Din Tai Fung inside ARIA. If you’ve never tried their famous dumplings, you’re in for a treat — and yes, the chocolate xiao long bao is as good as it sounds. Night: Dance the night away at Omnia Nightclub in Caesars Palace, or if clubbing isn’t your thing, see one of the incredible Cirque du Soleil shows on the Strip! Some of our team members recommended KÀ, or Mystère. Although Absinthe is not a Cirque du Soleil production, it is another great recommendation! This one is unapologetically raunchy and hilarious- and it is for ages 18+. More show recommendations can be found at the end of this blog! Day 2 – The Arts District Morning: Grab brunch at Makers & Finders , a lively Latin café with killer coffee and a creative menu. Afternoon: Spend time exploring the Arts District’s unique shops like Alt Rebel , Spilled Milk , and Antique Alley Mall . If shopping isn’t your scene, dive into something spooky different with Zak Bagans’ Haunted Museum . And if you’re not into scary, check out the end of this blog for more exhibits/museums in Las Vegas! Evening: Dinner at Esther’s Kitchen , where fresh, handmade pasta and sourdough steal the show. Night: Head to Atomic Golf where you can explore four floors of immersive golf games, bars, food and private event spaces! Day 3 – Immersive Fun At Area 15 Morning: Start with breakfast at The Peppermill , a retro Vegas staple known for its huge portions and vintage diner vibe. Afternoon: Spend the day at AREA15 , where you can wander through the mind-bending Omega Mart , explore the Illuminarium , check out Wink World , and so much more. Evening: Dinner at Block 16 Urban Food Hall in The Cosmopolitan — a foodie paradise with everything from Momofuku to Ghost Donkey . Nightcap: End your evening with a glamorous cocktail or mocktail at The Chandelier Bar inside The Cosmopolitan. Day 4 – Vegas Local + Tourist Combo Morning: Breakfast at The Broken Yolk Café . A favorite amongst Vegas Locals with multiple locations throughout the valley! They serve up an amazing breakfast with unique drinks. Afternoon: Choose between hiking the Historic Railroad Trail (Lake Mead views!) or exploring the stunning Red Rock Canyon . You can hike Red Rock, or drive through and enjoy the scenery. Evening: Step into old-school Vegas with dinner at Capo’s Restaurant & Speakeasy . Night: Ride the High Roller observation wheel for breathtaking views, then grab a frosty cocktail at Minus5 Ice Bar to cap off your trip. Local Pro Tips Do not swim in the Beach Club pools — just trust us on this one. Avoid ATM fees in casinos by bringing cash ahead of time. Characters on the Strip aren’t free — they’ll ask for tips after photos. Don’t limit yourself to the Strip — Vegas has amazing off-Strip attractions. Escape rooms here are great! Try Escapology at Town Square or PanIQ Room at The Venetian. Bring comfortable walking shoes — distances on the Strip are deceiving. October is the best month for weather. Additional Show Recommendations: A Vegas Golden Knights Game A Raider’s Game ANYTHING at the Sphere (Postcards from Earth, The Backstreet Boys, Eagles, etc.) The Atomic Saloon Show inside the Venetian RuPaul’s Drag Race LIVE! At The Flamingo Las Vegas Exhibits/Museums to check out: The Bodies Exhibit The Titanic Exhibit The Neon Museum Madame Tussauds Mob Museum This 4-day plan mixes the best of the Strip with local treasures, so you’ll leave Vegas feeling like you’ve truly experienced it — not just skimmed the surface.
