10 things that went right in 2020
Finding the upside is not necessarily easy for everyone…. but
Ignoring that even in difficult times there are things that go right is a travesty! Good things happen even on a bad day.
Looking back on the year here are ten things that I found have been positive.
The weather
The warm spring and fantastic summer weather
Bluebells and more were everywhere
We might have been in a pandemic but I, like so many others, took to the outside locally with endless days of sunshine and warm weather.
2. The year of walking
I am a walker denied the usual hills and mountains, so getting to know ‘my own backyard’ was brilliant. Lots of routes and pathways. woods, canal walks. I learned to take an awe walk. This is paying attention to nature, flora and fauna around you in detail, pausing and noticing it.
3. Habits and hobbies
We all have learned, as a friend on a walk the other day remarked, what 2 meters is. I now automatically (most of the time it’s automatic) keep my social distance and wouldn’t think of leaving the house without a mask. This is for my health, yes. But it illustrates how we can as humans adopt and use new habits. We just need a nudge and practice.
New hobbies have been a plus because I have kept them up, like necessary habits, too. I can proudly say I can make jam, marmalade, cakes, elderflower champagne, cordial and chutney. I have re-learned how to sew. I have expanded the range of veg I grow. And my garden has never looked so good!
4. Digital life but keeping it human
I have been a remote and flexible worker, working from home, for a long time, but going full on digital in my line of work still included more learning for me and time transferring what I do to meet learning needs on digital platforms. Fun, useful, productive.
5. The rise of ethics, B Corps and new values at work
The UK now has the second biggest number of B Corps in the world. The VCSE sector was hugely important in meeting needs in the pandemic as volunteering rose, donations and neighbourly help appeared. And the values of empathy, kindness and people asking “how are you”. Values that should be paramount in 2021 leadership.
6. Leaders for the times
I admire the leadership of Jacinda Ardern in Aotearoa New Zealand greatly. A strong female role model who shows empathy in spades alongside communication and listening. Outstanding. Going forwards into the next decade this is the leadership style we need and she made the blueprint.
7. Looking up
Looking up and pausing is a very good in the moment resilience technique. How about at night?
Star gazing. This year I have paid attention to the night sky and learned a lot more constellations and star names. I got up in the early hours more than once and went walking at night to see meteor showers, Comet Neowise (it was awesome) and just yesterday, the Great Conjunction. That was awesome too. Star gazing gives perspective, another resilience activity.
8. What did you learn?
Looking back at 2020, what have you learned? I defy anyone to say ‘nothing.’ I have read more widely, learned more, attended seminars and webinars, learned how to do SEO for myself, spent more time topping up my knowledge and skills.
9. Using my skills
I have provided personal reslience workshops and webinars for teams. I worked with the IOEE and SFEDI to deliver a rapid response to Covid-19 enterprise mentoring service for small and microbusiness owners. It’s still available and FREE. Take a quick resilience quiz here.
10. Music
“Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road. Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go.
So make the best of this test and don’t ask why.
It’s not a question but a lesson learned in time.
It’s something unpredictable but in the end is right.
I hope you had the time of your life.”
Thank you everyone.