There’s just something awesome about turning the calendar over to a new year that gives me a sense of having control over my destiny. Transitioning from 2020 to 2021 felt this way even more so, likely due to the fact that we can – once and for all – shut the door to one of the most unusual years many of us have been through in our lifetimes, and open a window to possibilities.

In March of last year, when we started sheltering in place, many of our clients were wondering how they were going to stay viable in a world that was changing so dramatically. Internally, our team began discussing ways we could support businesses through this unprecedented time and brainstormed ideas around how they could feel “in control” when everything seemed anything but.

Our “What’s in Your Control Today” LinkedIn campaign was one that threw out reminders to our followers that you are always in control – even when outside influences make you feel the contrary. We’d constantly get emails and comments about how much people loved being reminded about what’s in their control. As we move into a new year, here are 3 things that are in your control in 2021:

#1: Take Your Life Back
For many of us, working from home has meant a whole new schedule, and perhaps more distractions (family members working from home or being schooled at home). Many of us have likely put our own needs last and may have even fallen into bad habits that aren’t good for our overall health and wellbeing.

Whatever your situation, I challenge you to figure out ways to take your life back in 2021. That could mean making “appointments” on your calendar to go to the gym or take a walk outside. Challenge yourself to read a new book every month or set a schedule for deep-diving into a hobby you’ve put aside for years – like painting, or writing, knitting, or building. Be intentional about carving out a little time just for yourself every day. It’ll improve your body, mind, and spirit, and make a positive impact on those around you.

#2: Take Your Business Back
During a year of sheltering in place, our businesses were impacted in one way or another. On the lesser end of the scale, we’ve missed seeing our customers face-to-face and your new office space may be relegated to the kitchen table. On the more detrimental end, we may have lost customers due to their inability to keep their companies afloat, lost productivity due to physical and mental health issues, or worse yet, had to temporarily or permanently close shop.

This year, take your business back! The businesses that remained viable and even thrived in 2020 got creative. They pivoted their plans and figured out new ways to do business. We helped some of our clients take control of their businesses in 2020 by:

  • Finding ways to help them support their customers by staying in their lanes and doing what they do best
  • Communicating with heart and authenticity
  • Figuring out how to offer a slightly different version of their product or service to align with today’s realities
  • Exploring new target audiences that they may not have considered in the past
  • Revisiting their SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) to uncover alignments between new opportunities and old strengths

You can resolve in 2021 to take your business back by getting back to the basics. Get clear about the product or service you offer. Understand if your offerings need refinement to better align with the state of the world today. Take a new look at your target audience and see if it makes sense to branch out to new ones. If you don’t have a marketing plan for your business, build one or have someone help you do so. At a minimum, write down three ways you plan to reach your prospects this year and start scheduling those activities into your week.

#3: Renew Your Outlook
Many horrific things happened in 2020. Some opened our eyes to things we may not have been aware of in our society. Others left us scratching our heads or trembling in fear, wondering if what we had just witnessed on the news really just happened. We may have lost friends or family members to COVID-19 or other illness, or watched people struggle with dealing with daily life that was anything but normal.

Despite bad things happening, your outlook is always in your control – take it back in 2021! Here are some things to try:

  1. Write down 5 things that bring you unbridled joy and make a focused effort to bring those things back into your routine in the next weeks or months.
  2. At the end of each day, jot down something you’re grateful for. Maybe make a note on your calendar or jot it down in a journal. By the end of 2021, you’ll likely have significantly more than 365 things on your list!
  3. Be the change you want to see in the world. While we may not have the power to change the whole world, each of us has the power to make a small difference – in the life of someone we love, in how we respond to a not-so-nice person, in how we lend a hand to someone who is struggling. Be the change.

Can you just imagine what our world could become if we all did these things? We’d move mountains.

In 2021, I challenge you to remember the control you do have in your life, in your business, and in your outlook, and take it back so you can truly make this year better than the last. And, please reach out if there’s any way we can help.