Will 2021 be better than 2020? 2020 was surviving working from home. 2021 will be about THRIVING at work and home!
There’s no doubt about it. 2020 was a crazy year. Locally and globally we went through extraordinarily challenging times, and many of those challenges persist to this day.
Will 2021 be better than 2020?
How you answer my initial question will depend on your perspective, and what you do to make it a reality.
The good news is that we are officially one year into this pandemic and the challenges are not new anymore.
Last year’s overriding theme can be summed up as wrapping our head around the changes, finding coping strategies, and trying to see a path forward. Summed up in one phrase, 2020 was “Learning to Survive”.
Some people did this in a matter of weeks, while others are still struggling to dial it in.
That’s exactly why I’m writing today’s post.
There are still far too many people holed up in their mental “bunker” and waiting for a mythical thing called “normal” to return.
In previous posts, I’ve discussed the reasons that this is unlikely to happen. Important aspects of work, life, business, and even our social norms have been permanently changed.
Understanding and embracing this fact is critical to moving beyond the survival mentality of the past year.
While we all have specific and unique personal circumstances, the challenges brought on by the pandemic (social isolation, work from home, loss of employment, business closures, homeschooling, uncertainty, fear of illness, recovery from illness, and much more) are now part of daily life.
We generally know what challenges we will face each day. How we CHOOSE to deal with and manage those challenges is paramount in determining our health, happiness, and performance moving forward.
That’s why I’m officially designating 2021’s theme as “Learning to THRIVE!”
If last year was about “getting by”, this year is about “living well”.
This includes your mindset, daily habits, self-care, and cultivating your passion and enthusiasm for everything that life has to offer…and that’s MUCH more than you think (particularly if you’ve been struggling on the mental or physical health side).
The great news is that whatever mayhem and chaos 2020 threw your way, you are ALWAYS in control of your response to those circumstances. This includes reaching out for help when (or before) it’s needed.
On a side note, if people in our circle of influence are struggling, it’s important to help them find and access the help and resources they need. This also helps us connect emotionally to others and is something that’s in shorter supply these days.
Yes, serious challenges are tough to handle. They are also excellent opportunities for personal growth and development.
Persevering through tough times builds grit, resilience, confidence, self-esteem, skills, and potential…but only if we keep our eyes on the future, remind ourselves what’s most important in life, believe that there’s a better future ahead of us, and take small steps each day to continue learning, growing, and moving forward.
It may sound complicated and hard, particularly if you are struggling. That’s why it’s important to reach out for help when you become aware of this situation. The even better news is that these skills are in high demand and extremely valuable now! 😉
Since we are now in the 3rd month of 2021, my question to you is…
“Are you experiencing ‘Groundhog Day”, or are you challenging yourself to move forward and THRIVE this year?”
Many people have told me that 2020 was a “write-off” for them. While that may be the case, I don’t believe it’s smart to repeat those actions, thoughts, and behaviours again this year.
Awareness is the first step.
When you DECIDE that you WANT change in your life, the doors open up.
You may not know how to create the change, but deciding that change is going to happen is more important than knowing how to get there.
Sometimes the best way to get started is to ask for help and guidance.
Even if you just start moving and attempt to figure out your plan along the way, it can work.
I heard a great quote the other day that fits well here.
“When driving at night, you can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the entire journey by seeing only that far ahead.” ~Anne Lamott
With that in mind, it helps immensely to know where you want to go, and how to drive properly!
Will another year slide by painfully slow while you are holding onto your “bunker mentality”?
Or, will you decide that 2021 is your year to “shine” and THRIVE?
Will 2021 be better than 2020?
The choice is yours.
When you are ready to thrive in your health, fitness, happiness, and performance in life, reach out to info@freshfitness.ca. I would love to help make the process faster and more fun for you!
Will 2021 be better than 2020? Let’s ignite your potential and find out!