We are at the end of another chaotic and disruptive year. It’s likely to be another one ahead, because I suspect this is the new normal.
While many of us may have hoped we’d eventually get back to how things were, personally I’m not sure I really remember what that is any more. Or that I’d want to go back there.
So how do we look ahead to a new year with hope? With a sense of promise and anticipation?
We are the only constant in our lives. We bring ourselves with us into each moment, and our mindset matters. Seeing opportunity instead of challenge. The light in the darkest days.
When I think back on years past, there have been three mindset shifts that helped me weather stormy times. Going into 2022, I’ll do my best to remember these lessons. I hope others will find them valuable as well in navigating the year ahead.
1. Goal over destination
When change is constant, our aspirations need to be flexible. Having a fixed idea of a specific destination leaves us open to disruption that may make our end result unattainable. Instead, we can focus on the goal we want to achieve, leaving the details open.
Disruptions like COVID may result in creation of new skills, roles, companies, and technology. It also means others will be reinvented, reduced, or replaced. Nothing we can dream of today is “future proof.”
Instead of specific outcomes, we can set goals that embody what we want our lives to look like. As we run into challenges, having those goals as our north star help us remain open to new opportunities that arise.
2. Journey over path
There’s an old expression “it’s not about the plan, it’s about planning.” As a project manager by trade, I always had a plan. Until I realized the plan is only accurate in the moment it’s made. A day later, it’s out of date because nothing ever goes exactly according to plan.
That could be super frustrating, or the reality of life. We are going to run into obstacles, roadblocks, or new opportunities that we can and should adjust for.
When we look back on the path that got us to this moment, we can often see how the unexpected detours and bumps were a necessary part of our journey. At the they happen, however, that’s usually a lot more difficult.
Rather than focus on a strict path forward, and allowing ourselves to get frustrated when things don’t go to plan, we can refocus on the journey. When we are being redirected, it may be to something unexpected and delightful. Or something we need to learn to prepare us for the goal we want to achieve.
3. Growth over achievement
From a young age, many of us are taught achievement is the goal. Whether it’s specific grades, degrees, or jobs. In our personal lives, it might be marriage, a house, or type of car. Social media reinforces the idea that some attainable thing is what we should want and pursue.
Achievement is focused outside ourselves. Whether it’s a degree, position, or life style.
When we are focused on achievement, we can get disconnected from our why. The purpose of what we were pursuing in the first place.
Instead, we can focus on growth. Being a better version of ourselves month to month or year to year. Growing our knowledge, ability, empathy, or relationships.
Growth is the inner work. It forces us to consider what is important to us, and invest our time and energy there. When the world shifts around us, it is more difficult to get derailed, allowing us to find the opportunities in challenge and change.
Control what we can, and let go of the rest
We can only control our actions and reactions. That’s not a lot in the overall scheme of what influences us, our lives, and outcomes.
But it’s enough.
Refocusing on our goals, journey, and growth make it easier for us to adjust when the unexpected happens. It will, and here’s to a year of navigating the unexpected with resilience and grace.
