One question we can answer for ourselves:
The challenges we’ll face not only in 2020, but in the coming years, will define us all. And while there are a million unanswered questions about what things will look like in the near and mid-term, there’s one question I have an answer to:
How am I, as an individual, going to make it through to the other side?
My answer: My mindset.
My Word of the Year for 2020:
I can pinpoint how I’m approaching my mindset in one word: Resilience.
Resilience is my word of the year for 2020. And that single word is going to get me through. I’ve thought on this so much over the past two months I’ve created an equation for my resiliency.
Reframe + Control + Self-Care = Resiliency
Reframe:
One significant skill in building a positive mindset is situational reframing. I want to become stronger at reframing my experiences and COVID has given me the perfect opportunity to do that. Instead of ‘how could that possibly happen?’ I ask, ‘what can I possibly learn from this?’
Instead of asking ‘why wouldn’t my clients just postpone instead of cancel?’ ask yourself, ‘what will come my way for this weekend now that I’m available?’
By reframing the experience we lead ourselves into the next opportunity instead of closing the door to any way forward.
Control:
We didn’t happen to COVID, COVID happened to us. And unfortunately, we’re unable to control how things will progress. So I’m focusing my energies on things I can control. Like, how I spend my time during this slow period. How I’m caring for my body and my mind. How I can set a better foundation for my business.
By focusing on the things we can control, and letting go of the things we can’t control, we’re putting our energies into things that give us a return on our investment.
Self-Care:
Lastly, self-care binds Reframe and Control together, keeping them in line. By doing the things I need to do to keep my body healthy and mind sharp I’m keeping the other elements on track.
If I work exercise into my routine my mind is more focused and productive. By eating well, I feel good and sleep better.
By putting effort into my self-care I’m able to keep my mind and body aligned and keep everything on track.
Summing things up
These three elements are the most important things for me in 2020. If I’m able to focus my attention on how I define my experiences, control what I am able to control, and take care of my body, resiliency will fall in place and I’m confident I’ll come out stronger when this is all in our rearview mirror.
