2021 or 2020 part B?
Are you among the people who were counting the days in December to finally end 2020, because starting a new year felt like a fresh start and time to put the past behind us? Or do you believe that 2021 is the continuation of 2020 because we still have the same challenges from the coronavirus to a highly divided society?
People in the first category may think that 2021 will be their year to shine and make their dreams come true. People in the second category may think 2021 will be a bad year. Who is correct? Neither one.
2021 will be the year of people who cultivate an empowered mindset and use their ability to make the best out of any situation. Neither optimism nor pessimism is the key. The key is to work on yourself to have a very clear vision of what you want, have a daily practice to keep yourself focused and energized, and to follow-through with inspiration and dedication.
Who controls you?
The majority of higher ed. leaders have unintentionally and unknowingly given other people the power to control their thoughts, emotions, and actions. That sounds alarming, doesn’t it? Let’s see how this applies to you too.
Who do you find annoying, frustrating, disappointing, or even infuriating?
Who asks for your time and causes you to reprioritize and not spend your day as you had planned?
Who do you worry about when you don’t know what they are going to do?
Who do you listen to when they need to vent or complain?
All these people control you. That’s right, they have power over you. You have relinquished your right and ability to stay in control of your thoughts, emotions, decisions, and actions. With your free will gone, you will feel stuck and forced to accept what is thrown at you. And the results will show. And 2021 won’t be your year… Are you ready to put an end to this???
That’s not normal!
It may be common but it’s not normal to obsess about what your supervisor, colleagues, or staff have done or might do. That’s not normal to be in survival mode all day and react to every email or meeting without owning how you handle your workday. It’s not normal to be in a poor emotional state because of the news and being unable to work. It’s not normal and it’s most definitely not inevitable. It’s simply the result of not taking responsibility for yourself.
For things to change, you must change
The most important thing is for you to realize that much of your pain comes from your mindset and avoidance. It’s your responsibility to get back in the driver seat of your life. If you follow these steps, 2021 will be YOUR year!
Step 1: Take some time to define your vision of what you want to do with your life and career. Don’t limit your thinking to what seems easy or logical or reasonable. Give yourself permission to daydream and visualize what you really want. Don’t hold back. The bigger the goals, the more energy and enthusiasm you will feel.
Step 2: Ask yourself what you need to start doing in order to make this vision a reality. Set higher standards for yourself, create new habits and keep yourself accountable.
Step 3: Ask yourself what you need to stop doing in order to make this vision a reality. For example, stop making excuses, stop avoiding what intimidates you, stop procrastinating, stop being busy with mindless work, stop repeating old habits that keep you stuck.
Step 4: Create a new daily practice to visualize your goals in the morning, decide what you will and what you will not do each day. In the evening, reflect on how you handled your day, what you did well, and what you need to do differently next time.
Finding the time
Don’t use time as an excuse. Many higher ed. leaders waste a shocking amount of time dwelling on unhelpful thoughts such as things that shouldn’t have happened, things people shouldn’t have done, things they fear, things they haven’t forgiven, criticism and judgment of others, fear about being criticized and judged by others, feelings of inadequacies, thoughts about injustice, frustration about problems they aren’t solving, sigh… and the list goes on and on.
Once you make a firm commitment to stop indulging in these thoughts, you will free up an enormous amount of time and energy that can be put to good use.
Make a conscious decision
As Jim Rohn said “We must all suffer from one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. The difference is discipline weighs ounces while regret weighs tons.”
Do you want 2021 to be as limiting and exhausting as 2020 was? Or do you want it to be YOUR year?
If you want it to be your year, you can’t just make a new year’s resolution. We know they don’t work. You need to create structure and access resources that will guide you in your transformation. You can try to use books or join a mastermind group to create momentum, but without the one-on-one attention of a coach, you are highly likely to fall back into old habits, self-sabotage, or struggle with difficulties you haven’t learned to overcome. I strongly encourage you to click here and schedule a time to speak with me about working together.
If you’re read this far, you are ready to make a change once and for all. Imagine having someone on your team, helping you discover your blind spots, sharing strategies for success, keeping you moving forward, and giving you all the encouragement you need to follow-through! I can be that person for you. Let’s talk soon.
About the author: Dr. Audrey Reille has empowered thousands of professionals through one-on-one coaching, group coaching, speaking engagements, and online courses. Audrey is the go-to coach for leaders in higher education administration. She empowers them to thrive by reducing stress, optimizing strategies, improving professional relationships, and developing a strong and empowered mindset.