I had big goals for 2020. In February, I started writing my leadership book, which was going to be my main project of the year. Then COVID happened in March, and I found myself at home with three kids struggling to balance pivoting my workshops to online sessions and getting my kids through virtual learning. It took me a few months to work through the difficult disruption and shift to a more positive mindset.
I bet you had goals and plans this year too. We all did the best we could under the circumstances, and this is a year to give ourselves grace around goals, plans, and intentions. I have to remind myself regularly that I am a human being having a human experience. We may have plans, goals, and dreams, but life isn’t always easy. There are twists and turns along the way. We can’t change the past; we can only move forward. No matter where you are now, start there.
Maybe you’ve gained a few “COVID pounds” this year, or you didn’t make progress on some work projects as you planned. While beginning a new year won’t magically make things easier or better, there are a few exercises you can do to transition into the new year with a more positive mindset. I recommend doing these exercises using pen and paper (rather than typing), but do what feels best for you.
Release Exercise: set a timer for 10 minutes and write down everything you want to release about this year. You are not judging your responses, just writing them down. A few of my examples:
- Virtual school was really hard. I had no breaks to myself and felt overwhelmed and exhausted the first three months of COVID. Assignments weren’t being completed, and the kids struggled to stay engaged online.
- I stopped exercising during that time and lacked energy to do anything but get through the day.
- I was disappointed that I couldn’t find time to write my leadership book. I thought I would have it almost completed by now.
- I miss traveling and speaking in person. Several of the conferences I was contracted to speak at were canceled.
Once you have a completed list, either crumble it up and throw it away, or throw it in a fire. The point is to release these events, situations, and challenges to make way for a positive 2021.
Positive Focus Exercise: Set a timer for 15 minutes and write down everything positive that has happened this year. Don’t edit your thinking, just brainstorm. A few of my examples:
- My family is healthy and safe
- I started a daily walking habit of at least two miles
- I successfully pivoted all my workshops to virtual and completed over 45 engaging workshops.
- I worked with a parenting coach and have shifted how I approach my daughter. I have seen a big improvement in our relationship.
- I wrote a chapter for a book of stories that will be published this month.
2021 Planning Exercise. Answer the following questions:
- What do I want to stop doing in 2021?
One of my examples: I will stop watching TV at night during the week.
- What do I want to start doing in 2021?
Some of my examples:
- I will start getting up at 6:00 a.m. for my morning ritual
- I will start meditating regularly again
- I will block out two full days on my calendar a month to work on my book
- If 2021 were a successful year, I would…
Some of my examples:
- The manuscript for my leadership book will be completed by December 31, 2021
- I will continue to walk at least 5 days a week for 45 minutes
- I will launch a successful online leadership course
- I will write in each of my children’s journals at least every six weeks
In addition to doing this as a personal exercise, you can also facilitate it with your team at work.
This is a great way to release any challenges and negative energy at work and regroup and set goals for the coming year. We can’t control all the events in our lives, but we can control how we plan and respond.
No matter what 2021 brings, taking the time to release any negative energy from this year and honor the positives will set you up for a more positive and productive year ahead.
I really love and enjoy this reading. Reading this I learned that when you speak out clearly you thoughts and ideas people see you as winner, because you are not afraid to go straight to the point.
Great article.....And happy belated birthday! Welcome to my world, young lady!
Whenever I have a work project that I keep putting off - I think about delegating that project to someone else - which accomplishes 2 things- it gets the project done and frees us my brain space thinking about it.
Good morning. I loved this read. Thank you so much for sharing. Sincerely, Melissa :)
Thank you for this blog Laurie. I liked most part and specially "As organizations have become more complex, there is a tendency to require employees to do more with less. This is a slippery slope, and often can result in employees feeling overwhelmed and burnt out. One of the biggest contributors to this is not evaluating resources during the strategic planning process." I will use this practice "A best practice is to do what I call Priority Planning—putting important practices on your calendar ahead of time so they become a priority in your day. Examples of activities to Priority Plan include scheduling recurring coaching sessions with each team member, time for strategic thinking and planning, vacations, doctor appointments, important children’s events, and blocks of time for focused work on projects." To be more effective, I will get a good rest so I can have enough energy in the morning. I will read the blog again along with the other links on employee evaluation. Thank you so much Laurie. Best wishes to you and your family.
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I love the feedback on the more than 50 hours of work. AND filling time. So true. Unfortunately, showing that you work longer hours is still seen as being a "hard worker" - not sure how to change that though.
I enjoyed the read. I concur that transitioning from technical skills to delegating results was a task within itself. I did not realize I was almost trying to do the same thing from my previous position, and it was not working. However, I am seeing the results of how delegating daily tasks makes my job and workload easier. Thank you, Laurie.
Thank you for sharing information about your trip Laurie! All 3 things resonate with me - probably #1 being the biggest. I know when I'm gone for a week, I'm still thinking about work and need a vacation when I get back because I did not relax enough. I think your idea of a longer vacation is definitely in my future!!
Hey Laurie, My take on your list - 1 - everyone has a story - listen 2- social media causes interpersonal problems 5- generational differences create hurdles / earn it you aren't entitled / we should help them get there not give it to them 6 AMEN some leaders I would have followed thru Hell, some I wish - well, you know 7- true BUT be as good as your word and 14- Hopefully we leave some good from our efforts, I know the good leaders I have had have. Seen a lot in my career but it really comes down to treat others the way you want to be treated, fair, honest, and straight forward. Good read. Take care
I love this so much and thank you so much for sharing! I really just love realizing that enjoying the simple things sometimes is the best! Also recognizing that what is important and fun to you may not be everyone else's fun on the on the trip. “Do we get to keep these toiletries?” was my favorite!!!! :):) Glad you had a great time and got to spend it with your family!
I very much resonate with lesson no 3! Thank you Laurie
I think the part that you might have missed in their top 5 things, some of which were not "Italian" or even different from home, all of them happened with you, both of you. And i think that is what they will remember too. And you've got tons of photos that will remind them of what the Sistine Chapel looked like - then they might remember what it sounded like or smelled like. Oh- and i agree with you 100% about sleep!
LOTS of great take-aways from this post! Thank you for posting! I especially love "slow down to speed up". That's a keeper!
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the not getting enough rest to be at my best. definitely need to get more quality sleep and make that a priority
It really is hard to narrow down the 3 lessons into one because they are all so interconnected. You need to give your mind and body THE TIME to relax SO THAT you can enjoy the SIMPLE THINGS, including REST. I enjoyed that lesson as a whole. I will take that lesson with me on my next vacation (or staycation). As always, thank you Laurie for your candor and for sharing your own lessons with others so that we too can benefit.
Great information and reminders
Laurie, Thank you for sharing your trip and these nuggets. The lessons that resonate most with me are it does take time to relax and getting proper rest. When you devote 15 plus hours of your day for work, taking care of home and others; the 6-7 hours you lay down does not cut it! For me during this time I'm trying to unwind and find myself thinking fighting not to think about what I have to do tomorrow. Even after I create a to do list for the next day...I find things I need to add. Taking a day off here and there doesn't cut it as well because of all the plans you have for that day. I try to make sure my Mental Health Days remains just that.... time for me to laugh, cry, scream.... whatever I need to release the cares and stress!
Really enjoyed the article... and all very true!
Since I was already well aware of #1 (I'm in the same boat with taking a long time to relax), I think I'm resonating most with #3. I'm learning to prioritize sleep / rest and it's been wonderful. Love that you said "I love sleep.". :)
Welcome back from vacation. Well deserve! Action is the key to success. Shoulder to shoulder, coaching and delegating task to help other employees grow are very important. It is a sacrifice that one must do. Forget about yourself and be with your team day in and out to help them grow, is not always easy. On the long run, your team is stronger, and you can depend on them for the success of the organization. Thank you so much!
So many great tips here, thank you!
I am so impressed you're able to disconnect and these are great tips I'll be sure to try on my next trip!
Such a great post - so inspiring!