2020 is certainly a year that will long in the memory for most of us, and I wanted to take the opportunity to try and spread some ripples of hope as we head towards Christmas and the new year.
I started 2020, as most of us did, with no idea of what was to come. Even before Covid raised it's ugly head, by the end of January I had decided to hand in my notice and work independently. By May I had established by own coaching and leadership support and development business, and threw myself into developing a website, writing blogs, formalising my years of coaching experience with a level 7 ILM executive coaching qualification, and having quite a few virtual coffees as I tried to drum up business during a pandemic!
Over 6 months later and it’s been quite a journey, but the point of this post isn’t to talk about the growth of the business but to reflect on some of the positive lessons I’ve learned during a year most of us will never forget…
1. Support
I left my previous role to no great fanfare despite having worked there for so long. The best we could manage was a virtual leaving call across the business due to lock down. However, the heartfelt messages I received and the amount of support I had was incredible.
My first post about setting up my own business had a huge response. I was supported by many of my more recent colleagues, but also had a lot of contact from people I’d lost touch with as we’d gone in different directions in our careers and who wanted to understand what I was doing.
I was surprised and touched at the number of people offering unconditional support, ranging from advice and listening, through to introducing me to other people they know who might be worth contacting or who might be able to help. There were no ulterior motives, but they gave their time freely and I am hugely grateful to everyone who has been there for me. If in the future I ever I have doubts about human kindness I'll look back on this year as a reminder of the compassion and support we are capable of.
I truly hope that if Covid has taught us anything then it is the value of our relationships. I know I wouldn't be where I am today without the amazing support from my wife in particular, but also my family, colleagues, friends and even people I hadn't met before the start of the year and who have given me their time and energy so freely. Sometimes just listening when someone needs it, or the smallest gesture or kind word can make the biggest difference, and it costs nothing. In a year that has been so challenging for so many of us it’s easy to focus on what we don’t have or who wasn’t there, but I prefer to reflect on the kindness of others and the ways we found to stay in touch and be there for one another. For me it’s been a timely reminder of how amazing we can be when we all pull together.
2. Values and Beliefs
When I reflect back on the year gone by at the end of 2020, I wonder how I was able to make the move to set up my business. Maybe if I’d known Covid was just around the corner I’d have changed my mind, but I have absolutely no regrets.
It’s been a scary year and it’s felt lonely and uncertain at times, but it reminded me just how important it is to strive to stay true to your values and beliefs. For me that meant getting the balance right.
I passionately care about people more than profit, in leading and supporting rather than dictating, and in developing and coaching rather than telling, and I’ve been fortunate that I could set up a business where I can live these values. I fully appreciate that I’m in a luxurious position to be able to do this though it hasn’t come without some sacrifice, but I’m happier and more fulfilled as a result.
However, what I’ve been so pleased to see this year is that many businesses looked at their own values, beliefs and vision in the midst of all the difficulties from Covid and still made the decision to follow through on them. It’s easy to say “people are our most important asset” when times are good, but I’ve seen some wonderful examples of businesses really putting their people first over the past year. The leaders that have embraced the challenges and really looked after their teams have set a great example, and I believe that this will be the standard employees will expect going forward.
3. Enjoy today
I think one of the most important lessons I’ve learned this year is to try and live more in the moment. It’s easy to say and less easy to do at times, but with so much uncertainty for everyone this year it’s important to enjoy today while still keeping an eye on the future.
I read the book “The Art of Being Brilliant” by Andy Cope and Andy Whittaker this year based on a recommendation, and there is a story in there about making the most of each moment which really hit home for me.
I was in a habit where it felt like the walk with my 12 year old working cocker spaniel has become a chore, particularly when I was setting up my business and it felt like time away from being productive. However, the story in the book reminded me that while I was seeing it as time away from working, my dog saw it as the highlight of his day, and it changed the whole experience for me! Instead of being in a rush to get it over with, I started to watch him and just enjoy being with him so much more. I made the most of being in the fresh air and taking some welcome time away from a computer screen. Sadly he is slowing down these days and I don’t know how much longer he’ll be here, and I realised I want to try and enjoy every moment rather than focus on what I felt like I should be doing.
I think we can be so focused on the future, particular when we’re stuck in isolation and worried about lockdowns, our livelihoods and our families, that it can become hard to appreciate the little things that make up each day. Of course I still think about the future and worry about where the work is going to come from at times, but I’ve learned to try and appreciate the small things more too. Sometimes on a cold December morning in the rain it gets that bit harder to remind myself that it’s the highlight of my dogs day, but when I do remind myself to remember I enjoy it so much more.
It isn’t always easy when holidays are cancelled or when you can’t see the people we love, but more often than not this difficult year has reminded me that how I respond is a choice. I’m choosing to focus on the highlights instead of what I don’t have, and I know I have a lot to be grateful for.
Thank you
Thank you so much to everyone who has offered and given me their support throughout this year, you’ve made a huge difference during a turbulent time and I am hugely grateful to each and every one of you. Virtual technology has enabled so much this year, but I can’t wait to have a few more face to face coffees in 2021!
I know we’ve all had very different experiences this year and the things that have helped me won’t resonate with everyone, but I genuinely believe with the right support around you, if you stay true to your values, and if you do your best to enjoy today as much as possible then even these toughest of times can be that little bit better.
Thanks for reading, and may I wish you all a very merry Christmas and all the very best for a happy, healthy and exciting new year.
If you’d like to find out more about how I might be able to help you or your business, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Web: www.antony-allen.com
E-mail: antony@antony-allen.com
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