2020 - A Different Year For Business…Now A Look Forward
No one can deny that 2020 will go down in the history books. It was a year that truly changed how we live life, how we conduct business and how we interact with others. In the blink of an eye, not just our personal life, our community, city and state was different, but the entire world was forever altered.
Although we were not all affected in the same manner or to the same degree, the fact remains that we were all impacted to some extent. As we approach a new year, and continue to go through changes and upheaval, there is a certain amount of reflection, introspection and healing that has to be done in order to move forward in a healthy, stable and successful manner. In order to reconcile, heal and reinvigorate ourselves, our businesses and our communities, we need to go through the grieving and healing process.
As some of you may know, there are seven steps to the grieving process. The first is shock and denial. We all experienced this step together early this year when we were "locked" down from our jobs, family, friends, schools, activities and everything else that had become part of our normal. We were all in disbelief in what was taking place. Then we experienced the pain. The pain of seeing so many people pass away, the pain of not seeing loved ones for months at a time, job loss, businesses closings and the list goes on. Some of us may have become angry that this all was happening. Angry that so many months passed and we were still restricted and wearing masks. Angry at the loss of freedom. Angry at all the uncertainty.
Our next step is depression and loneliness and the start of reflection. We have all experienced and/or may continue to experience this step. In a year of so much loss, isolation and chaos, sadness and depression is inevitable.
The upturn is next. This is where we start turning the corner. This is where we start believing that we will get through this. Where each day becomes more manageable and bearable.
In order to move to the next important and vital step of reconstruction, processing and acceptance, all of the previous steps will have been experienced. As we move into the reconstruction phase of grieving, Hive Connex’s call to action is for you to start taking your control back. Spend time during the last week of this year to reflect on everything good, bad, or indifferent that has transpired this year. What were the losses? What were the gains? What do you wish you had done differently in your life pre-pandemic? What do you wish you had done differently during the pandemic? Did the time in isolation have you wanting a life change or career change?
The answers to these questions should lead you to this conclusion. What are you going to do to create the life and career you envision? It is time to reconstruct and live the life you truly desire! Time to live in the manner that brings you happiness. Time to create a contingency plan, so if you are ever faced with chaos again, you have a plan in place for some level of security and successful continuity. This is the time to learn new skills, create your business plan, learn about setting up your own business or better yet go ahead and set-up a new business. If you already own a business, this is the time to rebrand, remarket or create new lines of business options and revenue. This is a time to learn about financial health and investing by diversifying your income streams and creating new lines of income. This is the time to regain control and create the structure required to ensure your financial, career growth and success.
The last and final stage of the grieving process is acceptance. In order to move past the uncertainty, the chaos, the anger, resentment and hopelessness, you must find a way to accept what has taken place, what we have collectively gone through as a in our nation and world. Do we have to like it, agree with it, or lose ourselves within it? NO! What we need to do is accept it, learn from it, and be like a chameleon and adapt, lean into it and build anew.
For coaching, mentoring and building business capacity, please consider working with HIVE Connex. We can assist with starting your new business venture, improving your business plans and strategic objectives to keep your business thriving with a sustainable business model. We can also assist you with reinventing/rebranding your career path.
For more information on marketing campaigns, coaching, mentoring, marketing yourself, branding, strategic planning, business planning, and training, please visit our website at www.hiveconnex.com, or email us at hiveconnex@gmail.com.
We at HIVE Connex wish you and all those you hold dear a happy, healthy and safe holiday season! Our hope is that the New Year brings health, happiness, new opportunities, great achievements and new adventures for all!
"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world."
~ Harriet Tubman