Challenges fuel the most growth. It’s the tough times that force us to step outside of our own boxes and mature, adapt, and evolve. It gives us no choice.
While many people might say that 2020 has been a hard time - which is undoubtedly true - it’s also been a time full of learning. We’ve all been forced to grow over these past few months. Be it professionally, socially, or personally, the safety blanket of ‘normal’ was ripped away, leaving everyone with a choice: change or be swept away.
As we navigate market reopening and begin to dip our toes into the long term impacts of 2020’s pandemic, I’ve already learned so much… and will continue to learn more. And, despite the obstacles, I couldn’t be more grateful.
It seems like the world moves so fast these days, so before we continue to live and learn, I’d like to take a moment to go over some of the lessons I’ve been lucky enough to pick up on so far.
What Uncertainty Really Means
Okay, all forward-thinking professionals love to boast flexibility and resilience - but now, we’ve all truly earned our stripes.
I used to think I knew what uncertainty meant, but this year showed me that I wasn’t as much of a master as I thought. I think we’ve all been pushed to our limits - beyond anything we could have predicted.
How Much Our Loved Ones Actually Matter
As a social guy, I realized how much the people in our lives really matter. Social distancing coupled with new schedules has shown me that the distractions of everyday life prevent us from seeing the greatness that constantly surrounds us. Whether to learn or laugh, our loved ones truly are our world.
All That We Take for Granted
After the pandemic, you can bet that I won’t ever be taking these ‘simple’ things for granted again:
- Toilet paper
- Weddings… or funerals
- Cleaning supplies
- Flights (layovers included)
- Birthday parties
- Movies and shows being able to progress, uninterrupted, with filming.
- Painfully long graduation ceremonies
- A low-priced hand sanitizer market
The Value in Change
I’m a Tony Robbins fan and he has a quote that always sticks with me: “If you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always gotten.” Change can be scary, but it’s a must if we want to create the lives that we dream about.
How to Escape Media and Find News
It was a challenge at first, but turning off the TV news was one of the best things for my personal well being. With so much going on, I needed to shut off and start looking for my news elsewhere - from a source that doesn’t come with the added stress and anxiety.
The Power of Serotonin
I’m hooked on serotonin. The power of our own stored chemicals can set us up for success every day. I start my mornings with exercise and meditation and I feel the results all day. Working out really is the key to health and happiness!
What’s the Point Without Fun?
At this point, I’m always asking myself, ‘why so serious, Jon?’. Seriously, what’s the point if it’s not fun? Whether it’s work or a hobby, if it’s not fun, it’s not worth it.
What have you learned during this legendary year? Share with me in the comments, let’s talk!
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