It is easy to remember the loss and difficulties of this year, but let’s take some time to reflect on some of the good things and our strengths.
The courage, resilience and social embeddedness of humanity has been profound this year as we faced the COVID19 Pandemic. Heading into the new year, businesses are continuing to adopt to ever changing lockdown restrictions, communities are coming together to heal, families are finding new ways to stay connected and safe. Many of us welcome the Covid-19 Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine as an opportunity for life to return back to some normality.
What can you do to make 2021 a year of success for yourself, colleagues and company? Most of us will make new year resolutions, some may decide not to bother due to challenges and perhaps discouragements faced in 2020.
Whether you decide to make a resolution or not, there are a few things you can do to feel more in control, more connected and face 2021 with courage and anticipation for success.
Taking time to reflect is a good start. Below is a guide to an encouraging reflection process.
Map out your journey in 2020. Acknowledge and celebrate any milestones, achievements, wins, accomplishments however small. This could be, e.g., time spent with family, opportunity to meet a friend for a walk, time saved to and from travelling, a new hobby, opportunity to enjoy cycling on quiet country roads. This should enable you celebrate the positives and fill you with gratitude. Now, write down 2 or 3 experiences you feel most grateful for in 2020. If you are struggling, look closer … many lost their jobs or business in 2020. If you are reading this, then you still have a job and a stable income. What did it take for you to keep going at work?
Reflect on the strengths you used in adapting new ways of working and meeting targets. If you are unsure engage friends, family, colleagues and direct line managers. Write these down. Look out for the ones that really stand out and notice any trends. Recognising your strengths and showing gratitude should fuel you with confidence to perform at your best and inspire other members of your team to do the same. When you feel confident, you are able to support others better. When we are all able to work at our best, your business will strive and our job will be secure.
As we look ahead, many are hopeful for a much-needed holiday in 2021 to recharge. Be creative in finding alternative opportunities to relax.
Improve your mental chatter by finding one sentence that feels you with confidence and repeat it to yourself several times a day. Stay connected with friends and family that encourage and inspire you. Do what you love and find new ways of reaching out to others.
Stay safe, stay connected, stay encouraged, stay focused. Wishing you a happy, healthy and successful 2021!
