2021 Lessons Learned
For those who do not know, I am a big THINKER.
Not like a crazy Megamind thinker, but like if I could get paid to be a professional modern day philosopher or even a professional researcher of classic philosophies I would totally apply for that job. Studying the works of Aristotle, Voltaire, Epicurus, or Marcus Aurelius is fascinating to me because their thoughts tend to be timeless, but it also makes me more aware of the words I say and the thoughts I think.
Their stated works have an inclusivity to them because their lessons can blur the lines of race, ethnicity, & social statuses – and yes have impact on us today.
These type of men and women were very present with their thoughts but at the same time futuristic. It’s fascinating to know that words written in 345 BD, 130 AD, 1550s, 1700s have a way of bringing our perspectives back to simplistic and grounding virtues.
So as 2021 draws near to an end in America, here are a few lessons or takeaways I have come to learn throughout the challenging year:
Be aware and beware of what tries to dominate the human psyche in tough challenges.
The sturdiest roots need time to mature.
Serve to add value. Don’t serve to gain value.
The most resilient seek out opportunities in the middle of disruption.
Lessons Expounded
Be aware and beware of what tries to dominate the human psyche in tough challenges.
By psyche I mean the conscious and unconscious elements fighting to control your mind when you are in tough moments of life. It is important to have something or someone who quiets the soul when internal and external storms are most disruptive. For me, scheduling daily routine walks around a park or in my neighborhood (around nature) really gave me a new appreciation for peace. Also for me, daily scheduled workout routines really help to quiet my mind. For 30 minutes to an hour I have uninterrupted time to do activities that help to strengthen my body and my mind. They are not high intensity nor profusely sweaty routines either. I prefer focusing on movement of restoration and mobility.
The sturdiest roots need time to mature.
Production of fruit is easy to see, but the maturation of roots is hard to see. Although producing is important and needed in the right season of life, the trees that have lasted multiple generations are most admired. Many go to witness the view of massive Sequoias, but the most impressive aspect is the root system that sustains the highly elevated trees. The depth and connection of the underground system has allowed multiple generations to enjoy their beauty. Both time and environment are important elements to consider when reaching astonishing maturation and grandeur size.
Serve to add value. Don’t serve to gain value.
This is an important part in leadership development. Now this statement really points to the heart of a person when making decisions, therefore it is hard to track metrically. But you will know the impact you’ve mae as value added when you have transitioned and people who benefited from your skills, talents, or presence miss it. Make it an internal goal to let as many people as possible miss what you added versus hurt from what you took.
The most resilient seek out opportunities in the middle of disruption.
As an added clause, not all opportunities are monetary related.
Seek opportunities to serve.
There are areas you see that are overlooked by others. Serve there.
Seek opportunities to be patient.
When everyone else is losing their temper, a patient response is soothing.
Seek opportunities to have self control.
I cannot control the elements happening around me, but I can control my response to elements. Master that control.
Seek opportunities to have an uplifted heart.
Disruptions are hard and heavy. Uplift the heart with healthy and caring habits.
Seek opportunities to be filled with joy.
Joy is not happiness. It’s more than a season.
Seek opportunities to connect with an old friend.
Use social media to connect with a random old friend. Someone who you lost connection with due to life and just see how they are doing. Ask about their kids. See if they still play that sport or make that dish.
Seek opportunities to learn a new hobby or revisit a hobby.
Hobbies are cool – especially low economic ones. You can spend as much time as you like on them. You can do it with others. You can do it by yourself. The self gratification once you complete a hobby is satisfying.
Seek opportunities to learn a new skill or software and stick to it consistently.
Personally I prefer to learn skills that could potentially be profitable. But learning is an invaluable currency. Skills help broaden the tool belt of experience. We live in an age where information is freely shared. Find a trusted and verified resource to gain value from for your ecosystem of influence. Maybe learn how to trade stocks to help teach your friends.
Seek opportunities to breathe.
Take time to deeply inhale and slowly exhale. It can be first thing in the morning; during lunch; right before bed; or whenever. Sending oxygen in and letting it saturate your body has great healing benefits. I tend to lay on my back and fully relax my arms and legs when I do my breathing exercises. And I do it until I feel tension relaxed and ready for the next task or part of my day. Here’s a cool 15min TedTalk to watch - https://youtu.be/4Lb5L-VEm34.
As the year 2021 is ending, take some time to think about what lessons you can take into the new year. They can be lessons for personal development, for your relationships, for your work environment, for your faith, for your finances, or whatever category you decide. Just allow the lessons to move you into another level of maturity as a human being.
One takeaway I can offer you is to subscribe to my blog for updates from me in the new year. I have decided to be a little more active than normal and I would love for you to know when I release thoughtful blogs. Subscription is easy here 👇🏽
