Chatty G Q’s on 2026 Theme

In relation to the Theme for 2026

And “The Year of Out” is a great theme: simple, directional, and flexible enough to cover both behaviour and environment (very Cortex-approved).

Below are some structure ideas and good self-questions, framed so you can build something that works for you rather than turning into another resolution system.

1. Clarify the two meanings of “Out” (without over-specifying)

A useful Cortex move is to name the sub-themes, but keep them lightweight.

For example:

• Outward → leaving the house, experiences, social, movement
• Outwardly Lighter → removing stuff, reducing friction before the move

You’re not committing to targets — you’re defining vectors.

Prompt

When I’m unsure what to do, which option moves me more “out”?

If an action clearly points in, stagnant, or heavier, it’s probably off-theme.

1. Define what “counts” (this avoids guilt later)

One of the biggest Theme System pitfalls is accidental self-judgement. You can avoid this by deciding in advance what qualifies.

For “Going Out”

Ask yourself:

• Does “out” mean any leaving the house, or intentional outings?
• Does it include:
• A walk round the block?
• Going to a café alone?
• Visiting friends?
• Errands that could be done online?

A common Cortex-style rule is:

If it required shoes, it counts.

For “Throwing Stuff Out”

Clarify:

• Does “out” include selling, donating, recycling, or only binning?
• Does boxing for the move count as “out”, or only permanent removal?
• Does digital decluttering count, or is this physical-only?

Prompt

What version of “out” would still feel valid on a low-energy week?

1. Use 

frequency

instead of goals

Themes work best when you track occurrence, not outcomes.

Instead of:

• “Declutter the house by September”
• “Go out three times a week”

Try:

• “One Out Thing per day” (can be tiny)
• “One deliberate Out session per week” (bigger, planned)

Examples of small Out Things:

• Took rubbish out and walked an extra 5 minutes
• Donated one item
• Left the house without a specific task
• Booked something future-you will go out for

This aligns well with your customer-service/duty-manager life — low cognitive overhead, no rigid scheduling.

1. Create a simple “Out List” (not a to-do list)

Instead of tasks, keep a menu.

Split it into two columns:

OUT (Experiences)

• Walk somewhere new
• Sit in a café with no agenda
• Go to a shop instead of ordering
• See one person IRL
• Attend something slightly inconvenient

OUT (Objects)

• Remove 5 items from one drawer
• Empty one box/shelf
• Identify one “why do I still own this?”
• Make a donation bag
• Photograph items to sell (even if you don’t list them yet)

Rule

You never have to do everything — just pick one.

1. Tie the theme to the house move (future-anchoring)

You’ve already got a natural deadline (September), which is gold.

Ask:

• What do I not want to move?
• What do I want my next place to feel like on day one?
• What objects actively pull me inward or keep me stuck?

A good reframing:

Every item I remove is one less decision Future Me has to make.

1. Monthly reflection questions (Cortex-style)

Once a month, answer these briefly (bullet points only):

1. Where did I feel most “out” this month?
2. What made going out easier than expected?
3. What resisted being thrown out — and why?
4. Did anything I removed create unexpected relief?
5. Is “out” currently meaning movement or lightness more?

No fixing. Just noticing.

1. A mantra you can actually use

Good themes usually have a short phrase you can ask mid-decision:

• “Does this move me out or keep me in?”
• “Will this come with me?”
• “Shoes or sofa?”

If you want something more playful:

“If in doubt, out.”

1. Warning signs you’re over-structuring

You’re doing it wrong if:

• You’re tracking numbers daily
• You feel bad for staying in
• You’re forcing decluttering when exhausted
• “Out” starts to feel like productivity cosplay

Themes are directional, not disciplinary.

If you want, next time we can:

• Pressure-test this against a busy / low-energy week
• Create a one-page “Year of Out” manifesto
• Or turn it into something Quartz-friendly for your site 👀