4 Lessons from 2020 I'm Bringing Into 2021
2020 was an interesting year to say the very least. It almost truly seems as though everything that could be said about 2020 has been said. As we turn the page and try to say goodbye to the year that was, I began to reflect on the important lessons I had learned. Lessons I not only learned but really need to continue through the next year and beyond. I learned a bunch about not only myself but work and life among other things.
“Me” Moments Are Okay
If there is one thing I wish I had realized sooner it is that I can’t be everything to everyone all of the time. Struggling to do that has severely hindered my mental and physical health. I also struggle with feeling like I need to be “on” constantly or I’m letting myself and others down. But the truth is, the “me” moments are entirely necessary and often well deserved. Whatever form of self-care I feel like taking part in that day is okay. Spent extra time dry brushing before my shower rather than running to answer emails? It’s okay. Shutting down 30 minutes early to play with my dog instead of forcing myself to do something? That is okay too. Relaxing on Sunday instead of completing a to-do list a mile long for the week ahead? Most definitely okay (This remains my biggest struggle). These small activities and moments are the refreshers that serve me much more than just giving less than my best to something else.
Boundaries Are Important and Should Be Respected
One thing we all really learned is boundaries matter especially keeping our distance from each other to refrain from spreading the virus or getting ill ourselves. Trust me, I don’t even know how many times I personally or have seen others get upset by people not keeping their distance. This lesson and “me” moments kind of go hand in hand. There are certain parts of my day that are just non-negotiable and should be respected by others. More often than not sticking to my routine helps to keep anxiety at bay. There should be mutual respect and understanding that entitlement isn’t really an option. And, as I said, there are just some times it is important to relax…as impossible as that may seem. Boundaries are important whether it’s with work or personal life. People should understand those boundaries exist and be willing to respect them just as you respect theirs.
Sometimes It’s Okay to Accomplish…Nothing
Wait, what? Did I just say that? This one was a difficult lesson, but the truth is productivity comes in waves especially with creative pursuits (and careers). There comes a time where whatever the task may be, it’s just not working. It’s too easy to get frustrated and feel like I’m not using my time properly. I do this constantly throughout the day. Eventually, there won’t be a pandemic (hopefully…) and the productivity rule won’t really change. People need rest and there is a difference between being “busy” and actually being “productive.” This has really helped me the first few days back at work this year and sorting through tasks. I’ve also recently learned that having anxiety, I am prone to rushing sometimes in order to mark things off my list and just get to the next one. This is not great and leads me to feeling really unsure about my work, hating the results, or feeling as though I have accomplished nothing despite working hard all day long. Another reason that rests and not forcing things is critical.
You Are Better Than the Stress and the Negativity
Much of 2020 felt like having a tiny rain cloud hovering constantly. It was honestly all too easy to be negative and get down about every little thing. My weight fluctuated, I didn’t accomplish the things I really wanted to, and sometimes even getting out of bed was incredibly rough. Things can feel really overwhelming and stressful. There is a battle between productivity and managing everything happening at once. But the truth is, piling on extra stress about these things isn’t beneficial at all. Everyone’s year was a little rough. Being understanding and compassionate towards oneself is a much better use of time than being frustrated over things we can’t control. We didn’t expect a pandemic in our lifetime, but we are managing it the very best we can. That is all we can do.