Every year comes with its defining moments. However, 2020, for most of us, has been life-altering & defining in ways we didn't imagine (literally) and has turned out to be that battle which we didn't really sign up for but one we've had to fight relentlessly anyway!
The Covid-19 pandemic that hit 70 million people worldwide, the gigantic impact that it has had on livelihoods, the deepening fissures in the economy, the waves of social change swelling around the globe; each a calamity on its own, each underlining the amplification of the uncertainty that we must deal with and live through. All these paradigm-shifting developments have come together, creating a storm that everyone knew was long-time brewing yet no one really took the time out & prepped for the final windfall.
The past 11 months have taught us lessons that, under "normal" circumstances would take a lifetime to learn. And the underlying ethos of all these lessons, is but one - "survival of the fittest". What I find amusing here is that the definition of "fittest" is so finely & definitively balanced between physical & mental/emotional this year, that it leaves no room for argument.
2020 has made me withdraw from what was 'routine' & has coaxed me to relook + rehaul my ways of working/living. Because, to be honest, without it all becoming topsy turvy there was simply no way I could have carried on.
Before I dive right in, I'd like to add though, that before we bid adieu to this year and venture into the next, let's hope & innately believe that the vaccine will do what it's meant to do. That the virus will withdraw rather than mutate and that the relentless hard work of our caregivers & health warriors will bear fruits of wellbeing.
Lesson #1:
Take a pause, look around and reflect on the rights and wrongs. A peaceful, wise and coherent mind, is the first step in the direction of laying a solid foundation. Without it, one won't be able to acknowledge the infamous elephant in the room nor make sense of what appears to be a rather hot mess of a situation.
I have realised that it is our thoughts that convert to words, decisions and actions. And thus, we owe it to ourself to foresee and make correct mindful choices.
Lesson #2:
Followed by self-reflection, comes resilience. Like the resilience of a flamingo in a stormy sky who pushes ahead to reach its destination, one must look for direction and means, to ensure that we stay the course on the path we've forged for us. Yes, things will get rough and we will question/doubt the path we've set ourselves on, but we've got to train our mind to think about & work in the direction towards achieving success. A foresighted, solution-centric approach to situations and life will surely make the journey fruitful and help us visualise our destination with utmost clarity.
Lesson #3:
And then we have reawakening or regeneration. Reawakening is a broad concept. It could mean anything from the regeneration of health, transformation of mindset and ideology to reacting to a situation differently than one usually would, and so on. Honestly, this is one thing that has distinguished leaders from bosses this year. Because only those who have been able to view their work from a renewed perspective and those who have been bold enough to regenerate their way of doing business have been able to sail their ships (still intact albeit bruised) to shore.
Lesson #4:
"Radical Thinking’ & "Rewiring Strategy"
I have breathed these phrases throughout 2020. For the uninitiated, I run a company that is into Experiential marketing & Live events. Events & 2020 are a match made by Satan when he was particularly furious & thought it was time to play a cruel joke, because why not?!
Once over the initial shock, I realised that the only way forward was to lead and prioritise on basis of purpose, trust, and inclusivity. Not bowing down to the overnight change in the business landscape & instead using this as an opportunity to prove our prowess & merit we launched Shobiz Digital. It's not been easy. But it simply had to be done.
Lesson #5:
"The show must go on."
I truly believe that it is not the things that happen to us which mould us, but our perspective towards those things & our reaction to them is what defines our life's path.
Facing massive cuts in revenue & generating no new business because of the lockdown was definitely not an easy pill to digest. However, I had to lead, I had to wake up & show up and I had to ensure the company survives (and eventually thrive!)
The sheer habit of getting up & showing up, day on day, week on week, helped us face these tough times & come out stronger It was not easy, but we made it happen.
I understand 2020 has had a different impact on us all - some have been bruised, some have come out as champions, some are striving to steer a sinking ship and some have simply surrendered. I believe sharing our experiences and thus, empowering & igniting the minds of each other is particularly important.