Goodbye 2020, Hello 2021

Preparing to usher in 2021 has many of us feeling reticently optimistic. Both saying goodbye to one of the most collectively challenging years in recent history and recognizing that a new day doesn’t always promise the alleviation of our burdens is confusing...and hopeful...and scary.

As we endeavor to move past the complete dumpster fire that was 2020, we’ve put together some

ways to shift our focus into the new year without making flimsy resolutions.

Write things down!

• Remember the positives. Treat yourself to a fancy new notebook and write down all the positive things that happened over the past year. It may take some extra effort, but you’ll be amazed to find a revitalized sense of gratitude after considering the victories you witnessed and experienced, the skills you acquired, and the many ways in which you’ve grown.

• Plan a personal purge. Write down everything you want to forget, everything you want to leave in 2020. Now burn it! You’ll instantly feel a little bit lighter and a little bit more positive. (be safe of course - have an extinguisher on hand just in case)

• Now get real. Set some goals for 2021. No, not resolutions, GOALS. SMART goals to be exact. Make sure they’re S.M.A.R.T (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Timely)

  1. Specific - Make sure the goal is clear and detailed i.e. I will drink water instead of snacking on candy from the office candy bowl.

  1. Measurable - Make sure you can track your progress i.e. I will measure the amount of water I drink each day and keep track of the candy I eat

  2. Achievable - Make sure you’re not shooting for something that isn’t attainable within the time frame you’re hoping for.

  3. Relevant - Make sure the goal actually aligns with your lifestyle. Don’t set a goal to fly to the moon when you haven’t met the prerequisites to become an astronaut.

  4. Timely - Give yourself a clear timeline within which you’ll accomplish the goal i.e. I will read 2 new books in the month of January.

Let’s say goodbye to the chaos of 2020 and embrace a more positive, more intentional, and more productive 2021!