Happy New Year! Well, we hope so. Given all that we’ve endured in the last nine months with a global pandemic, face masks, take-out food, and (fill in the blank), we hope 2021 will be new and fresh and, yes, happy.
Here are a few ways to at least get a start on improving the prospects for 2021:
Personal dedication. This could be anything from deciding to do more reading and mental leisure activities to changing lifestyle habits for the better to scheduling mini-vacations that will help you simply take a deep breath from time to time in the coming year.
Family devotion. From marriage to parenting to family reunions, make more time for your family. Your marriage needs a constant dose of freshness to keep the fires burning for the long-haul. Your kids need your time and attention more than rooms filled with the latest toys. Your aging parents, your siblings, and other relatives would probably be overjoyed if you made plans to see them or even just sent them a card (not an e-card!) and told them how much you love them and miss them. Don’t let family take the back seat.
Professional development. Could your skillset use an upgrade (or two)? Strategize how you can increase your professional value to your employer, or to other employers you have your eye on. Advanced training, certifications, another technical degree — keep learning your trade and make yourself vital to your employer.
All in all, 2021 is a fresh start for most of us. Why not take a day and think through how you can keep yourself, your family, and your professional life flourishing throughout the year.
