2020 may have been known for plenty of negative things, but on a more personal level, it helped each person take a deep look into their life and assess their priorities. You may have realized some things about yourself and your relationships, and have decided to make some changes in your situation. Take what you’ve learned into the new year and take these reminders with you:
Take it easy
When you’re overwhelmed with working from home and preparing your meals every day, give yourself permission to have food delivered or to skip cleaning day once. Your home doesn’t have to be picture perfect just because they feature in your Zoom calls more often. You can still be a professional on camera if you keep your office space tidy. Then, schedule cleaning the rest of the house when you have more time on the weekends. It’s not necessarily easier to work from home, especially because your personal life is happening in the same space. Remind yourself to take it easy and list your priorities at the start of the day, but make sure you’re listing a doable number of priorities.
Other people make mistakes, too
Mistakes look different for each person. You may be frustrated because you can’t shape your eyebrows in the perfect arches you see on your favorite Instagram influencer. Your clothes don’t fit anymore. You did not close the deal you were trying to close for months. You said the wrong word in your Zoom meeting with colleagues. You had a fight with your parents or your partner. You forgot to water your plants.
Some of the small things feel like big mistakes when you’re too stressed to function, but remember that no one is perfect. Your favorite influencer may have bought new eyebrow makeup for sale to help her polish her look. Your parents or partner may be going through something too. Your colleagues may not know what word to use either. Your clothes can be adjusted. When you fall down, get up, brush away any dirt on your knees, and start over.
You’ve survived up to this point
Some days are harder than others. When you feel unmotivated to do something, and when you feel like your goals are harder to achieve, that’s a good time to remind yourself that your life has been successful so far. You’ve survived all the challenges presented to you in the past, and that’s why you’re still here. You can get through the hurdle you’re facing right now, and for problems you don’t have the solutions for, go ahead and ask for help. For problems you can’t solve by yourself, don’t carry all that burden on your own. Remind yourself that some things are out of your control, but your mindset will help you deal with them in a more graceful manner.
Life is not perfect, but it’s not imperfect because of something you did personally. Be your own support system rather than an enemy. Keep these reminders in mind for a year that is easier and more manageable because of your better outlook.
