The year 2020 is finally over. As I reflect upon the events this year, I have mixed feelings and opinions about how it went.

Downs: I have barely seen my parents and siblings; I have not travelled; I missed colleagues and the office; I cancelled most of my vacation plans; I felt overwhelmed at times with only conference calls; I felt alone doing home office; I hated hearing so-called country leaders being condescending with the pandemic and playing with people’s live; I could not celebrate my 50th birthday as planned; I am stuck in Germany for Christmas.

Ups: I took time for self-reflection and learned a lot about myself; I completed my coaching certification; I had a lot of happy moments with my wife and son; I focused on things that matter to me; I reconnected with long lost friends; I rediscovered the pleasure of writing letters and season greetings cards; I loved cooking and baking; I rested; I worked towards a strong work/life balance; I felt happy not to have any family or friend significantly impacted by covid; I slowed down and was grateful that it was actually OK; I started the Coaches-gegen-Corona initiative with a friend – we are offering pro-bono coaching sessions to anyone impacted by the corona pandemic; I had wonderful lunches with my wife every day; I became more soothed and less stressed after I included daily meditation and sport in my morning routine; I enjoyed having virtual aperitifs with remote friends.

In the end, I am surprised to see that I find more positive things than negative. This is of course not saying that everyone should feel the same. I am 100% realistic that some people will have suffered big time. For me, the year 2020 definitely felt like a 7 out of 10, like reaching a summit. I want 2021 to be a 10! It should be like reaching the summit of Everest!

As 2021 is looming, as bad as 2020 may have been for you, what is the one thing you take away from 2020 and that you can turn into an opportunity in 2021? What step will you take this week to start getting closer to achieving that opportunity? What will make 2021 a 10 for you? And a 15?

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