I hear people say – “I can’t wait for 2020 to be over, bring on 2021!”
This confuses me? What do we all think is going to happen? Do we believe that magically, just because the calendar clicks over at midnight, that something will be different, that everything will be better?
The statement in the picture said I could predict the future, but that’s not true. I’m going to quote someone else who, 30 years ago, wrote some famous words which may predict what will happen in 2021. As you read excerpts of his book, take the time to enjoy his encouragements and consider his wise advice, and warnings.
Alongside Dr Suess, I have provided you with some questions that may help you begin your end of year reflection of 2020 and preparation for 2021.
(If you are time poor, jump to the end for the summary checklist).
ENCOURAGEMENT:
“You have brains in your head and feet in your shoes, you can steer yourself in any direction you choose.”
What have you learned in 2020 that has grown your skills and character? How will this help you in your personal and professional life in 2021? Did you make any promises (in anger or in hope) during 2020 that you need to consider taking actions on?
WISE ADVICE:
“And when things start to happen, don’t worry, don’t stew. Just go right along. You’ll start happening too. You’ll be on your way up! You’ll be seeing great sights!
From your learnings of 2020, what specifically has equipped you to be ready for the opportunities that 2021 will bring? Resilience, Patience, Adaptability, Ingenuity? Take a moment to list the additional skills or attributes you have learned this year. Do you need to find a way to add these to your Performance Review, Your CV or LinkedIn profile?
WARNING:
“Except when you don’t, Because sometimes you won’t. I’m sorry to say but sadly, its true, that bang ups and hang-ups can happen to you.”
Let’s get real here – some of 2020 will continue to overlap into 2021. How will you be wise enough to go out and make, or take up opportunities, to take some brave risks. How will you ensure you are mentally and practically ready for the inevitable bumps that will come your way?
AND THEN IT MIGHT GET WORSE:
Dr Suess goes into great detail as to what this might be – for some of us we have felt all of these things in 2020 and may well experience some or all of them again in 2021:
You may fall into a slump “un-slumping yourself is not easily done.”
You may lose your way, get confused or scared, you may lose your confidence “do you dare to stay out do you dare to go in how much can you lose how much can you win?”
“I’m afraid that sometimes you’ll play lonely games too, games you can’t win, ‘cause you’ll play against you”.
And worst of all, I don’t think any of us want this, ever, let alone what we went through in 2020. “You will find yourself in the most useless place, the waiting place…. for people just, waiting… everyone is just waiting”.
ENCOURAGEMENT!
“Somehow you’ll escape all that waiting and staying, you’ll find the bright places where boom bands are playing.”
Do you have tactics or support mechanisms to un-slump yourself? Do you have people who will encourage you, push you, wait with you? “You’ll get mixed up with some strange birds as you go” (I always think of these as my awesome diverse workmates and friends 😊).
Most important, do you have a plan with multiple options that help you move forward in your:
Mind – something new to learn (formally or informally)
Body – physical experiences that have your moving all different parts of your body.
Soul – relationships, nature, sounds, possibly a combination of the two above that result in moments of genuine peace and belonging.
“There is fun to be done! There are points to be scored there are games to be won.”
Bravery – whether its 20 seconds of courage to speak up, say yes, say no, do one thing more or one thing less, what are your dreams for 2021? What do you honestly know you need to do? Try finishing this sentence:
“in 2021, I can’t afford not to ……..”
WISE ADVICE:
“But on you will go, though the weather be foul, on you will go though your enemies prowl, onwards up many a frightening creek, though your arms may get sore and your sneakers may leak.”
ENCOURAGEMENT:
“On and on you will hike and I know you’ll hike far and face up to your problems whatever they are.”
WISE ADVICE:
“Step with great care and great tact and remember that in 2021 life will still be a great balancing act.” "Just never forget to be dexterous and deft and never mix up your right foot with your left.”
FINAL ENCOURAGEMENT:
So (say your name here),
your off to great places
Today is your day!
Your 2021 mountain is waiting
So, get on your way!
In Summary - Your 2020 Reflection Checklist:
How have you grown in your skills and character?
How will this create opportunities for you in 2021?
What promises do you still need to take action on?
What needs to be recorded (Appraisal, CV, LinkedIn etc)?
What needs your Bravery?
How will you maintain resilience in 2021?
Who are the key people you wish to continue investing in, those that support you, and those you wish to support.
What needs to go into your 2021 action plan?
something new you need to learn?
something that creates movement - mind/body/environment?
that brave thing you need to keep chipping away at?
If you need some un-slumping, or if you have got a renewed sense of purpose but want help to get brave about making things happen in 2021. Click here and make contact with me.
I hope to post one more Christmas Reflection, so until then, I want to thank you for your efforts, your faithfulness and your wisdom.
Regards
Shirley Reeder