As we head into a New Year it’s traditional to reflect upon the year that’s passed and to plan ahead for the future. 

Many of my peers have been sharing 20 things they’ve learned in 2020 and I had written my list at the beginning of December with the intention of sharing it now.  I’ve since learned that it’s also something that Jay Shetty recommends so I know I’m in good company!

I also know that many people had a horrific 2020 and my family dealt with our own challenges too, a number of which still persist.  However, I’m choosing to focus on the positives that these challenges presented when we took an alternative look at them.

So here are the things I learned in 2020

1. Being made redundant is difficult but it makes you more resourceful and aware of the other opportunities around you. I brought my business plans forward by a year!
2. Investing – I had no investments prior to 2020.  I now have investments in bonds, shares, Bitcoin and a savings account. I’m working with a wealth coach.
3. That a good Financial Advisor is worth their weight in gold.  I really got down and dirty with my pension this year. Redundancy kind of does that to you!
4. There is a whole other world beyond the 9-5, of small business owners who move heaven and earth to keep themselves afloat and their clients happy.
5. There is nothing quite like home grown vegetables and herbs.
6. A day digging the garden is one of the toughest exercises I’ve ever done!
7. Working with your partner as a team, as opposed to two individuals, means you can get through the toughest of times.
8. Losing a job that you loved but came with a culture of bullying, stress and high pressure can take years off you.  I’ve lost count of the times I’ve been told I look 10-years younger since I was made redundant.  It also makes a huge difference to your mental and physical health.
9. Starting a business in a pandemic is terrifying but there’s lots of support out there and people are still buying!
10. Multiple streams of income are the way ahead.  I now have several.
11. Starting a podcast is fun.  Scary, but fun.
12. People love real stories.
13. It’s possible to run in daylight!  I always used to run at 5.30am before work!
14. I love being ‘mum’, seeing my son off to school, preparing dinner for my family when they return home each evening. These things were always stressed and part of the morning and evening rush.  Not since redundancy!
15. Daytime TV is dire!  I had to start a business to keep me sane!
16. It’s possible to create great friendships online.
17. Being forced to work and network online has enabled me to achieve my dream of being a global speaker.
18. When you follow your dream and focus on it, opportunities abound.
19. Investing in great coaches is always worth it.  Without my coaches I wouldn’t have achieved half as much this year and they’ve got my back.
20. If something isn’t working for you change it, have the difficult conversation and change things.

But perhaps, most importantly of all, I learned that when you’re in the right relationship; a strong, healthy and robust relationship; you can overcome any and all challenges and look to the future with renewed strength, passion and wisdom.

Come on 2021, I’m ready for you.