10 Things I Remembered, Observed, Learned, and/or Implemented in 2020
It’s that time of year again! We’re collecting gift ideas and wrapping up work projects while jamming to the “Your Top Songs 2020” playlist on Spotify.
As I end the year and prepare for 2021, here’s my 2020 ROLI list. ROLI = Remembered, Observed, Learned, and/or Implemented.
1. The power of 1
In B-School, when we had a problem to solve, a good friend of mine used to say, “Let’s do one thing!” Doing one thing can be the simplest way to begin making a change. In 2020, I implemented that strategy and so did many around me. From improving by 1 percent to video-calling 1 family member a month, the power of 1 was strong in 2020.
2. Awareness. Awareness. Awareness.
If location, location, location is royalty in real estate, awareness, awareness, awareness is royalty in business. Being aware allows you to better understand yourself, your environment, the specific situation, and the people involved.
3. Good habits anywhere promote good habits everywhere
Midway through the year, I started with one habit initiative: do some type of exercise every other day to build a good habit. No pushup, 5K, squat weight, or body goals. Building that habit slowly built my confidence in keeping habits and has helped build other habits like flossing every other day, DJing every week, and working on CSM/business articles every other week. (You can say that this article is the fruit of a mini-squat from August.)
4. Use “different” to compare things instead of words like “good vs. bad”, “right vs. wrong”, and “better vs. worse”
This is a train that I’ve been riding since 2018, but 2020 was the year to get more folks on board. With all the conversations about race, identity, and bias in 2020, changing our approach from judging to understanding differences is key to a healthy society.
5. You’re never too small for formal processes
Yes, 1-50 person startups I’m talking to you. It can be lightweight and you can be the only person doing it.
6. Blooming late is still blooming and blooming is good!
Check out the HBR article, “The Art of Blooming Late”, by Kevin Evers on this topic.
7. Giving genuine Thank Yous is still in style
Thank your colleagues. Thank your customers. Thank essential workers that service you. Thank your family and friends. Thank your allies. Thank your meme dealer. More is more as long as it’s genuine (and specific).
8. The normalization of WFH and video conferencing has made it easier to network
This is true for 2 reasons: 1. As a society, we’ve become more accustomed to connecting with strangers in digital channels, especially if it’s a professional one such as LinkedIn. 2. Folks can connect at any time of the day because they are not in the office. (Big shout out to all the folks who connected with me this year via LinkedIn)
9. Perception is NOT reality
I’ve believed this for many years and at times have struggled with the idea as I live and work in a “fake it ‘til you make it” world. However, 2020 was a strong reminder that honest and thoughtful messaging works best for me. Additionally, the idea that “perception is reality” can help create an out-of-tune and even toxic society.
10. Give Creativity some R.E.S.P.E.C.T!
When it comes to attributes of successful businesses, creativity is still the champion. 2020 has reminded us of the value of creativity. As businesses aim to improve their adaptability, efficiency, marketability, and diversity, equity, & inclusion, we must remember that creativity is at the heart of almost all new initiatives. Promote creativity in 2021 and beyond!
Photo by moi!
Acknowledgments: Special thanks to my supporters, editors, and loved ones. I appreciate you. You know who you are :)