11 Ways 2020 Wasn't Too Bad (Really!)

What have you achieved in 2020?

You might be thinking to yourself...."Is he nuts? 2020 is a total write off!"

Maybe it is....and (yes I'm about to say it) Maybe it isn't :)

Follow me on a journey where we take a look at some stuff we might have missed.

First of all, yes I admit it, 2020 has been a pain in the butt for the most part. Up to February, we were all motoring along nicely, not really thinking pensively about the months ahead. Then...lockdown! That word became our life. Along with 'Social Distancing' and 'Support Bubbles' and 'Furloughs'. The last one, in particular, was a tough one to take, as people found themselves forced to abandon their normal routine and live on their nerves instead of their talents.

Hey - sounding great so far, right???

Over time, we got used to it and adapted. The 'new norm' became the phrase of the year. Humans are great at adapting to new circumstances. It takes us a while but we get into a groove, even if it's not the one we would normally choose. 

Taking all of that and adding in money, job and health worries...what has 2020 taught you?

Here's a way to figure it out...answer a few questions:

1. What have you been forced to do differently in your work in 2020 and has it made you think about how you work?

2. Has anything happened that made you question how you earn and spend money?

3. Have you had thoughts about your health and how to maintain a healthy lifestyle?

4. Are your relationships with family and close friends any stronger now? Do you feel you appreciate them a little more?

5. Have you discovered your 'Off' switch? Filtering news and information so that you don't overload yourself with negative stories is a good habit to get into.

6. Have you been able to enjoy the small things? Being locked in and then released again can force you to really appreciate a walk in the park, a coffee from a cafe or a wave from a passing friend.

7. Workmates. Suddenly that chat with Barry from accounts as you wait for the kettle to boil seems almost attractive!

8. Resilience. Have you discovered an inner-strength and resilience that you possibly knew lived inside you and now has shown itself fully?

9. Patience. Almost ten months into Covid, your patience will have been stretched more than once! As you wait for life to return to some sort of normality, do you find you are able to stay calmer as you wait for life events to happen?

10. Sense of humour. Do you still have one? Well done! You're definitely winning in 2020 if you're hitting December and can still laugh :)

11. Optimism. How is your optimism rating, out of 10? If you are between 7 and 10, you've killed it. 5-7 and you're doing well. Below 5? Maybe give yourself some credit for being alive and active in the world. 2020 knocked a lot of people down and you're still standing. If you can do that, then maybe you can do anything....right?

Oh and finally...here's to 2021!