2020 is a year that we will all remember. Many people had to learn how to adapt and innovations had to be made. It was a tough year for most people and most businesses, but it also seemed to lead to immense growth in a lot of areas. This is why it is important to take note of what we have all had to learn this past year so we can then apply it in the next. Here are the top five takeaway points that we have learned in our business as well as in our personal lives.
ADAPTABILITY IS EVERYTHING
Not only did millions of people lose their jobs, but millions of people also had to evolve to the new standards and conditions that their job or company required. Almost everything went digital and the “working from home” model boomed as people had to quarantine and socially distance. So whether it be figuring out rent, groceries, savings, or technology, adapting to whatever life had in store for us (which was a lot this past year), and having an adjustable plan became of utmost importance for almost everyone universally.
DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP
This one is key; especially after all of the chaos and changes that have happened this past year. Uprooting your life or business is never easy, but it is easy to be confused or get lost in it all. So with this being said, don’t be afraid to ask a boss, coworker, family member, friend, or even a therapist for help. Asking for help is always understandable especially when the world seems to be crumbling all around us.
CONNECTION IS NEVER LOST
Even though we have all had to socially distance ourselves this year, it does not mean that connection ever went away. Human interaction is a basic need and thanks to technology, it made daily interactions whether it be in business or everyday life, much easier through the times of quarantine. So here’s a big thank you to facetime, zoom, slack, and social media, which all made being “alone” a lot less lonely. Also, here is just a friendly reminder (whether you are a boss, friend, or family member) that checking in with the people in your life is not annoying and should be a daily task moving forwards.
TAKING TIME FOR YOURSELF IS NOT “SELFISH”
This year has taught us a lot about self-care and how important it is to implement it in our daily lives. This is the thing, life can be hard in many different ways and many times we try to please everyone except for ourselves. Start to notice what serves you and what doesn’t. Start to take notice of where, who, and what you spend your time with. Lastly, start to create boundaries in your personal and work life; even though it sounds counterintuitive, these will help you become a better person, employee, boss, etc. Distribute your energy evenly and don’t forget to distribute it to yourself! Basically, fill up your own cup so you can then fill up others’.
EVERYTHING IS TEMPORARY
Going back to our first point of adaptability, having an adjustable plan is necessary. Many times we can get caught up "in the way things should be" only to realize that there is no should; it just is what it is. Life will throw us curveballs, things can and will change in the blink of an eye, and absolutely nothing is permanent. It is the human condition to hold on to things too tightly and to resist any change possible. We do this even when we know it isn't beneficial. Ask yourself, "What can I do every day to stay present, to welcome change, and to let go and adjust when needed?"
So yes, in conclusion, we have learned quite a bit of healthy, uplifting, and useful habits in 2020 so let us not forget to implement them in 2021. Happy New Year to you all. May we continue the expansive, positive growth and let go of the things that no longer serve us.
Good riddance 2020, you will not be missed!