As we look at ways to make 2021 successful, don’t just consider the tactical planning necessary to get more done, make sure that your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual self are also in the right place. Otherwise, all that planning may just be for nothing. Before we can fully commit to those New Year’s resolutions, we need to be in the right mindset. So what can we do to get there?
Self-Reflect Then Reset
Before we can move forward, we need to have a firm grasp of where we are now. In “Lean Manufacturing Terms” we need a “Current State.” Before attempting to set new goals and projects, take a minute to look back at yourself in 2020:
- How do you see yourself now versus at the beginning of 2020?
- What changes did you make during the year (either planned changes, or changes in response to the unexpected)?
- What goals did you achieve, and which did you miss?
- What were the most important lessons you learned?
Now reset
Physically - Look at how you have been treating your body. Have you been eating well, or just grabbing what is fast, easy and questionably nutritious? Have you been exercising and getting fresh air, or been a couch potato that hasn’t seen the light of day in months? Look at what changes you can make right now to put yourself on a better path.
Emotionally – Look at how you feel emotionally. Do you feel grateful, connected to others, optimistic? If you say no to any of these, make concrete plans to improve the situation. Start a gratitude notebook and commit to adding items to it daily. Put together a weekly virtual happy hour or game night to keep connected to friends and family. Get away from your desk for lunch (even if you work at home). Take a walk or call/talk to a friend. If you have been feeling down for a while, talk with your doctor or a counselor to make sure it is not depression that you are a suffering from.
Mentally – Are you feeling anxious, stressed, overwhelmed, unable to make decisions? Certainly 2020 has thrown us a number of curveballs, but until we reset ourselves mentally, it will be hard to make any progress on new goals. Doing some of the above activities (taking better care of yourself physically and emotionally) should help the situation, but also consider these other activities to help your mental state:
- If you can, take a vacation – If you haven’t taken time off from work in a while, try to do so now. You need some away time (even if it is a “staycation”) to reboot and recharge. Be sure to fully unplug, which means not answering work calls, emails, or texts.
- Get enough sleep – Sleep deprivation can seriously put you off of your game. You may also want to check if you are suffering from sleep apnea. Many adults do, and treating this condition can substantially help your well-being.
- Beautify/Declutter your surroundings – A cluttered and messy space can be distracting and depressing. Make time to organize and declutter your space, add a plant or cheerful artwork. It will be an immediate mood booster.
Spiritually – Reconnect to your purpose, meaning, and faith. Consider journaling, meditating, or getting closer to nature. If you are religious, get closer to your faith through prayer, attending religious services and being a closer part of your faith community. Connecting to our spiritual selves can bring us a sense of balance and purpose.
The Next Steps
By attending to our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs, we prime the pump to better focus on our goals and resolutions, and are in a much better position to meet them. If we don’t take care of our minds and bodies first, we won’t be able to help our companies, families and communities. Like the flight attendant says: “secure your mask first, before assisting others.”
Sources
8 Steps To Reset You Life For A Successful 2021
By Kate Macri
How to Reboot Your Brain and Mentally Reset Now
Laura Spencer
August 9, 2016
Reflect, Renew & Reset: How 2020 Can Make 2021 Better
Margie Warrell
Dec 26, 2020
How to Start 2021 off on the Right Foot
Liz Wiener
Updated: Dec. 21, 2020
By Ann Condon, Marketing Manager
Ann Condon has been with Dion for 16 years, working in Dion’s Marketing and Business Development Department. Although this was her first position with a jewelry manufacturer, she has learned a lot over the years. Ann enjoys getting involved in “All Things Dion” from volunteering at the Dion Golf Tournament to being a part of the Dion Diamonds Relay for Life Team. She has quite a number of Dion event t-shirts to show for it!
