21 Lessons from 2021 - Part One!
We are wrapping up 2021 and I want to get out my yearly lessons. Man, there are a lot to pick from in 2021 so I narrowed it down to 21 of them and I will deliver 10 this week and 11 next week. I hope you enjoy it!
ADAPT
Everyone has had to adapt to the situations of the past two years. I mean everyone. Wearing masks, schools are different, shopping is different, your work is different. Everything is different.
This year and last forced everyone to adapt and you have two choices: you can either accept it and make the most of it OR you can fight it and be stuck, angry and negative. Your choice.
CONTROL THE CONTROLLABLES
This is one of my favorites. You can’t control the weather, the political climate, the way your boss is feeling today, the way someone is driving, the way someone posts on social media and the list goes on.
So stop worrying about it. It’s unnecessary wasted energy.
Start controlling what you can control and the more you get maniacally focused on that, the better off you will be.
BE A TEAM PLAYER
We can only go so far on our own. That’s why you must have a team and work as a team.
Ever been on a dysfunctional team? Not fun, huh?
It’s up to you to work with others, help others and continue to be there for your team. Without a team, albeit a small one, Adam Clark Fitness wouldn’t have navigated the pandemic and expansion nearly as well.
LEARN FROM YOUR MISTAKES
Ever made a mistake? Of course you have.
You can either focus on the negatives and where that mistake has put you OR you can focus all your energy on learning from it and getting better from it.
Mistakes happen. Sometimes the mistakes are huge and life altering but it’s life.
Learn, grow and get better.
SELF CARE IS IMPORTANT
You need to take care of yourself because if you don’t, how can you expect to help others around you?
Get that massage, schedule that workout, go on that hike, block out an afternoon and take a nap.
No one is ever too busy. We are all busy. Make self care a priority or you’re going to be a stressed out mess.
HELP OTHERS
This should apply all the time but now more than ever, helping others is important.
Pick up the phone, send a card, hold the door for someone, buy coffee for a coworker, compliment someone.
You never know what someone else is going through so you may make their day and there is no better feeling than helping someone else out.
FOCUS ON CONSISTENCY
I bring it back to one of my favorite books, “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. Habits are about taking consistent action. Results are about taking consistent action. Success is about taking consistent positive action.
Consistency isn’t sexy, but if you want to be successful you need to put in the work and do it for the long term.
If not, you will always go back to square one.
Focus on consistency instead of conquering the world in a day.
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TIME
We all have the same 24 hours in a day so make the most of it. It comes down to prioritizing and if you do it well, you’ll get more done. If not, you’ll always feel behind.
Schedule your day, make a priority list and stick to it.
If that doesn’t work, cut down on your list as you probably have too many priorities.
GET OUTSIDE
If there is one thing the last year or two has been great at is it is getting us outside more.
Maine is beautiful. The country is beautiful. The world is beautiful.
Get outside and explore. Fresh air, nature and a little exercise. Man does that feel good!
THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX
I’m not the most creative person in the world. I can draw a mean stick figure though!
We all have creative qualities though. Make the most of your situations at hand and think outside the box. If you do that, you will live a happier, healthier life.
Which one of these resonates most with you? Stay tuned for 10 more next week!