Do you remember the hit American TV drama “Ally McBeal?” Ally, who had reached her limit due to her intense work and personal stress, went to therapy at the recommendation of her boss, John Cage, and received advice from the therapist: “You need a theme song.” According to Dr. Tracy, the theme song should be an up-tempo song that makes you feel good when you think about it, in order to raise your spirits.
Taking Ally’s “Searchin’ My Soul” (the theme song for Ally McBeal) as an example, Dr. Tracy gave it a pass, so as an image example, I would like you to think of this song or “Tracy” by Cuff Links, which Tracy herself has set as her theme song.
For those of you who aren’t from the “Ally McBeal” generation, I’d like you to imagine an athlete with an entrance song (walk-out song).
Why theme songs are effective for management
For busy CEOs, maintaining physical and mental condition is an important skill set. Having a theme song that lifts your spirits, and playing it physically or in your head, can quickly shift your mind into the best state of mind. Music can instantly change the frequency of your emotions. If it’s your favorite theme song, the effect is incredible.
Also, if you choose a theme song that matches the image of the person you want to be, every time you play that theme song (even if it’s just in your head), it will help align your current state with your ideal image.
Expensive coaching is great, but using a theme song is free and can be done anytime, anywhere, and is sure to be the perfect “mental boost” for busy CEOs.
A Japanese interpretation of the theme song
In Japanese martial arts like kendo and kyudo, there is a teaching called “zanshin,” which encourages maintaining tension even after completing a movement, ensuring that the mind and body are prepared. Similarly, the Japanese tea ceremony teaches the spirit of clearing distractions and focusing on the present moment with a “ichigo ichie” (one chance, one encounter) mentality, thereby restoring inner peace and abundance by concentrating on a series of quiet, rhythmic movements (o-temae).
I think of theme songs as a modern-day “ritual to prepare the mind.”
Many people will set New Year’s Resolutions at the start of 2026. Why not choose a theme song that aligns with the goals you want to achieve this year?