If you’re anything like me, this year has been a bit of a time warp. In one sense, it’s felt like the longest year ever, while at the same time, I can’t believe that it’s nearly over. While “2020” will undoubtedly be the butt of jokes for decades to come (once the trauma of the year is at a safe distance in the rearview mirror), I’m choosing to end it on a positive note by focusing on the lessons it’s provided that I’m taking with me into the new year.
Here are just a few:
- The importance of community: “If you want to make a society work, then you don’t keep underscoring the places where you’re different—you underscore your shared humanity.” — Sebastian Junger, Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging.
Community has been a big theme for Sublime Designs Media this year, and I would say universally, as well. If nothing else, the collective challenges of this year have helped us form even closer connections with our clients. Personally, I’ve found myself seeking out new ways to find community in an increasingly virtual world, by connecting with incredible female business leaders, finding new opportunities to mentor, and giving back to causes that are important to me. Yes, there has been an abundance of visual divisiveness this year, but what too few people talk about, is the level of humanity that’s been on display, too. And that’s what’s helping power us into the new year.
- The benefits of staying nimble: Over the years, I’ve been told multiple times by multiple people that I need to do certain things for my business, like invest in physical rental space or hire more employees. I resisted and stayed true to what I knew I, and the business, needed, which was to remain lean and nimble by keeping our overhead expenses low and creating a business model with flexibility at its core and solid processes in place. There is probably no other year I have been more grateful for sticking to my guns on something. If you’d like to read some more in-depth thoughts and tips on how to create a brand that can pivot in times of uncertainty, I wrote about the topic in July’s blog post.
- Why you should use your brand for good: While I spoke about this in last month’s blog post, I wanted to mention this again because not only is it something I see becoming more prevalent among businesses, but it’s something I personally want to hold myself, and Sublime Designs Media, accountable for in the new year. If 2020 alone is any indication, there is no shortage of issues we should all be speaking up and speaking out against more. Complacency is no longer an option, especially in the business community. Customers are paying attention and loyalty is often given to those who stand for more than just their bottom line.
- You should never take your health for granted: This one pretty much goes without saying. And we’re talking both physical and mental health.
As we wind down what has been, at the risk of sounding redundant, a wild year, we look forward to the year ahead and the continued pursuit of finding the silver linings and lessons in it all along the way. We’re wishing all of you a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2021.