2020 Word of the Year
2020 is never ending. It does seem like that, doesn’t it? 2020 seems to be the year that if something can go wrong, it will. Talking to so many of our clients, not only are they dealing with the fallout of the pandemic and the shutdowns, but many are going through corporate restructures, hiring freezes or layoffs. Add decisions on schooling, lack of childcare, and being cooped up, and boy oh boy, it's easy to see why so many are so sour.
The good news? 2020 WILL end. A vaccine will be found and tested. We WILL get back to “normal” at some point. The question is, after all of this, will you go back to being normal? Will you come out the other side, stressed, frustrated, and sad or stronger, calmer, and more resilient?
Resiliency has really become a buzzword this year, and for good reason. To be resilient means you can recover quickly from a difficult situation. Those people who have developed resilience through 2020 will emerge stronger, calmer, and at the ready for whatever is next. The good news is, there are things you can do to become more resilient: 1. Self Compassion: Yes, being kind to yourself helps to build your resilience. Acknowledge when you need to stop and rest. Allow yourself time to do what you love. Go ahead, indulge in the cookie, play with your kids, or binge on that Netflix series for an evening.
2. Meditation: You are probably saying “Yvonne, you bring up meditation all the time!” Yes, and with good reason. More and more research is showing just how good it is for our brains and our bodies. People who mediate are calmer and more apt to think things through rather than lead with emotion. Both traits are important for resilience. Many apps now have guided meditations that are only 10 minutes long. Why not give it a try? 3. Optimism and gratitude: Even in these times, there are things to be excited about. Whether it's Hamilton coming to Disney+ or your favorite BBQ place open for take out, being grateful is something we can all do. Oh, and if you don’t think there is anything to be optimistic about, take a look at the NYTimes COVID vaccine tracker. Read all the trials currently in place and think of all the amazing people all over the globe coming together to help the world fight this virus. Inspiring, right? 4. Look back to look forward: This is one of my favorite coaching activities to do with a client. So often we only see where we are now that we forget how far we’ve come. Take some time to think about where you were at the start of the virus, look at how much you’ve adapted and how much stronger you are now. You go, rockstar!
Now that we know what builds resilience, what is the first thing you are going to do today? How can you start setting the example for your family, friends, and co-workers so that they too can take on anything else 2020 brings and still emerge stronger, better and more resilient?
