You Need a Theme, Not a Goal

Why HN readers recommended it

A staple recommendation in new year and goal-setting threads, with many commenters adopting yearly themes.

This is a summary from the source dataset, not an endorsement by Hacker News or the video creator.

Video & recommendation details

Creator / channel

CGP Grey

Topic

yearly themes versus goals

Format

explainer

Level

general

HN recommenders in dataset

10

HN mentions in dataset

13

Recommendation years in dataset

2020–2025

These counts and years describe the included Hacker News records; they are not YouTube views or the video’s publication date.

From the original HN conversations

Excerpts from the recorded comments. Follow each source for the full comment and surrounding discussion.

• CGP Grey has an excellent video on this exact kind of goal setting: [LINK] And another on New Year's resolutions more generally: [VIDEO]

• Happy new year, HN. I'm a huge believer in CGP Grey's thematic year system ( [VIDEO] ) in place of resolutions. After outstanding successes two years in a row with the system (first year with my physical health, second year with my work and finances), …

• A similar idea that resonated with me is CGP Grey's suggestion to replace resolutions with themes: [VIDEO] Rather than set a lofty goal you're more likely to give up on (leaving you having accomplished nothing), simply look for ways in which you can do/be better …