The holidays have come and gone and this past year looks far different from previous holiday seasons. It’s been a season of mixed feelings with the COVID-19 pandemic. There are many that have adjusted to a remote working environment, some managing remote/hybrid learning for their children, among many other trials that we’ve faced. The year 2020 has been a stressful year to say the least. This is the time of year to reflect on those challenges that we’ve all faced as we look forward to a new year, and hopefully a brighter and joyous year at that. As we reflect, I have my own thoughts or tips on what we can all consider as we close the book on 2020 and move into 2021.
Focus on the highest priorities each day and set the pace. Try to slow down and prioritize your tasks/work, whether work-related or in your personal life. We all find ourselves in a place of uncertainty and feeling overwhelmed at times. If you are like me, you realize you can’t do it all. The best approach is to take one thing, and day, at a time. Write things down (old fashioned I know) and determine what’s the most important task or tasks for your day and how you plan to address them in that order.
This goes into a more health conscience mindset but when in doubt - just breathe. You’ve likely heard it before and you’ll hear it again. Take three deep cleansing breaths and regain focus when you find yourself in a stressful situation or when anxiety sets in. This is pretty basic or common sense, but with all the headaches, roadblocks, and negative feelings we’ve all faced this year, it’s a good reminder.
One thing that I’ve tried to do this year, and am rolling into 2021, is focus on all the little things that I’ve accomplished. Big goals and milestones are so important, but there will be days when you need to reflect on minor accomplishments and know that you’ve done everything you can to work towards a larger goal or objective. It’s a good idea to have a list of things that you appreciate or that you are thankful for - an outline or list of items that make that day a success. We focus so much on an end-goal that we lose sight of the accomplishments that are right in front of us. As we transition into 2021 keep chipping away at the goals you’ve set for yourself, whether that’s at work or for you individually.
Focus on what you can control. I don’t know about you, but I take on a lot when it comes to my professional and my personal life. I strive to do what’s right for our customers and for my family. At times, however, I find myself in a situation that is completely out of my control. I have to keep reminding myself that I don’t always have the answer and the thing is, I don’t have to! Understand what is needed and work to get things answered or resolved and keep moving forward.
Remember to have grace for others. We don’t know what other people may be dealing with so whether this is personal or professional, always give grace. One way or another we have all been affected by the events from this past year.
Be the best you can be every day! Mistakes are inevitable, especially this past year when our minds and hearts are in so many different places at once. I’m not intending to make this religious, but this is something I reference often when I find myself in a negative spot: “God, grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the Courage to change the things I can, and the Wisdom to know the difference.”
May you all have a New Year of peace, love, and joy! I believe that there’s so much more for everyone to look forward to in 2021!
Megan Hild
Customer Success Manager