Let’s face it, it’s been a tough year, perhaps the toughest of our lifetime. It’s forced us to live, learn, and work differently, to change the way we communicate, to re-evaluate what’s most important to us, and to reflect deeply on what we believe and what we value.
Last week I presented the 4 most powerful lessons I’ve learned in 2020 at a real estate industry conference called, Inman Connect Now. I thought I’d also share them with you, here on the Believe in Balance blog.
Never take your health for granted. On July 21st, in the middle of the pandemic, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was found during a routine mammogram. Before I knew it I was in surgery and on a plan to recover and regain my health. Here’s the thing, I almost canceled my mammogram due to COVID. I was always considered low risk and figured I could skip it. Ultimately I decided NOT to skip it, and it saved my life. Never take your health for granted. Attend to your routine check-ups and if something doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it…get it checked out.
Slow down. Let’s be honest. When did the hustle ever feel good? Before 2020, we were over-scheduled, over-committed, over-notified, and always rushing. If we ever did slow down we probably felt guilty and unproductive, or we suffered from FOMO. When you slow down you notice what’s happening around you, you spend less money, you have time to be creative and get inspired, and you’re more present and connected in your relationships and with the people who matter most.
Use your voice. When I think about using my voice, I think of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. I believe she’s the greatest example of a woman who dedicated her life using her voice to advocate for what she believed in. To be honest, I haven’t always been comfortable speaking up. This year has taught me how important it is to speak up, and I’ve been much more intentional about it. Using your voice means advocating for yourself and others who are not able and sharing your opinion without fear of rejection or being unliked.
Be the strength in your community. This pandemic has taught me is the importance of community and how connected we really are. Highlighting others, supporting local businesses, and checking in with your friends are all ways you can be the strength in your community.
This year has changed all us. It’s been an opportunity for all of us to evolve and grow as individuals and as a community.
Whether you realize or not, every one of you has met the challenge. You are more resilient than you realize.
What lessons will you take with you?
How will you take the challenges of this year and turn them into a better, more positive, and balanced way of life?
I’d love to know. Leave me a comment below.
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