It goes without saying. 2020 was a challenging year for everyone. We were impacted by a global pandemic that is still looming large, causing us to upend our lives completely. Some have lost loved ones, lost jobs, had to cancel trips, and other big events. Even though there was so much unwanted negativity, there's always room for some positive.

Reflect on the Good

What positive things happened to you in 2020? It may seem like a silly question, but some good came out of the past year. We spent a lot more time with our closest loved ones and our kids due to lockdown. Being stuck at home has given us all the opportunity to learn more about ourselves and the ones we live with. Even though graduation might have been virtual for many this year, it's still a milestone to celebrate! Just because 2020 was a rough year doesn't mean we can't celebrate the good that happened!

Above all else, a lot of us have come to appreciate the little things in life. Having all of our "extra" activities takes away from us has allowed us to find joy in that first sip of coffee in the morning, a good book, a nice walk, or even cuddling up with your furry friend. We've been given the awesome opportunity to express our gratitude for each day and our health.

Looking Ahead

Now that we've entered a new year, it's time to think about what's next. Is there anything you didn't accomplish in 2020 that you want to achieve in 2021? Do you have any new goals for yourself? There is at least one thing you want to accomplish this year. From learning a new language, practicing mindfulness, and exercising more to building a new resume, and looking for new employment opportunities, what you can achieve is endless. Step outside of your comfort zone this year and ask yourself, how can I become the best version of myself? Becoming the best version of yourself might involve achieving the goals you set, but also taking the time to focus on your mental health. We learned in 2020 that self-care is essential to our overall well being.

How Do I Set Goals?

It's easy enough to write down our goals on paper, but you need a road map to achieve those goals. You want to make sure that all goals are SMART: Specific, Measurable, achievable, relevant, and timely. Breaking down your goals this way helps you decide the key factors of your goals and when you want to achieve them by. It might seem like extra work up front, but you'll be glad you did it.

2020 might have been a tough year, but there are still plenty of positives to reflect on. Now that we have a whole new year ahead of us, there is plenty to look forward to, including new opportunities to be your best self.

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