Happy Holidays!
I’m sure you don’t need my 2 cents to tell you what CRAZY year 2020 has been. Hell, even Michelle Obama revealed in her podcast last August that she’s been “dealing with some form of low-grade depression.” Her fix, staying in a routine, getting a workout in, and trying to get outside. I’m on the Michelle plan for sure. In fact, these days I’m up at 5:45 to work out at Carrier Park with Asheville Fit Tribe at 7 a.m. despite the chilling 27 degrees. Long underwear, a wool hat and socks get me through the hour while the trainer cheers us all on. If you’re in Asheville, come on out and join me. It ain’t easy but it’s empowering to get out of my comfort zone. 2020 has brought a significant amount of care giving my way, and if I don’t work out first thing in the morning, I don’t work out.
Back to business. I want to take this time to say how impressed I am by all of you who have managed to pivot and reboot your business. I’ve had to do the same. I know some of you are barely hanging on, while others are doing just fine. Either way, small business owners are some of the most courageous people I know and 2020 confirmed it. This past year, I’ve had clients decide to sell their business, retire, change their business model, re-examine their supply chain, re-evaluate safety protocols, juggle working at home with home school, and adapt to new technologies like Zoom. Whatever you’ve had to do to stay afloat, I know it’s exhausting, and like all of us, you’re ready for change.
So the big question is What’s next? There will be a second round of PPP loans and while some of you are working to get your loan forgiven, the new Act allows new and old borrowers alike to receive a PPP loan if they meet the requirements of an “eligible entity.” Complex financial and tax issues are at stake, so get the support you need from your banker, and CPA.
My question for you as we exit 2020 is this: How are you Set up for 2021? At the end of every year I do this simple exercise and I invite you to do the same.
Just for a moment, project yourself into the future. Imagine it is now one year from today. You have paused to reflect on the past year and to celebrate what an amazing year it has been.
If 2021 was your best year yet, how would it look?
What would you have accomplished?
Make a list of highlights AS IF they already happened. Think about all areas of your life- relationships, finances, health, career, personal passions, community involvement, and life transitions. Remember, you are not setting goals here so writing them down will not commit you to anything. You are simply expanding your vision of next year. Here is one of mine: I took the best vacation of my life – 6 weeks in Europe.
Look at your list. How does it feel to think about how you would really like to experience your life this coming year? Anything on your list that has been there before? As you think about 2021, ask yourself what you want to focus on and what support you need. I’ve created some new packages, and I’d love to share them with you to produce the results you want and need.
© Best Year Yet
All that remains for me to say is thank you to everyone who reads my sporadic newsletters, and I wish you a healthy and restorative time over the next few weeks.