Jeff’s Journal
By Jeff Whitaker
It’s been quite a while since I’ve shared my thoughts in this space. Not unlike many of you, somewhere back in March I got distracted by a lot of things that took me in directions I hadn’t planned. Can you relate? One thing led to another and I asked to take a break from contributing. Now I’m back, and hopefully sharing with you consistently once again.
As I look back on this crazy 2020, it’s still hard to believe where we were this time last year. We had no idea what was headed our way. I’m sure you agree that the new year can’t come soon enough. As we all look ahead with anticipation of turning the page on 2020, it’s also important that we look back and learn from what we’ve all experienced.
There are a lot of lessons I can pull out of this year. The biggest lesson I’ve gotten out of 2020 personally is that there are many things we can’t control and we should stop trying. However, there are many things we can control and that is where our energy and focus should lie.
We’ve all heard that experience is the best teacher, and we’ve all experienced enough in 2020 to last a lifetime. However, my mentor John Maxwell says that experience is not necessarily the best teacher. It’s only when we evaluate our experiences, judging what worked and what didn’t, that we learn from them. People can experience all kinds of things and not learn a thing. I’m sure that like me, you’ve asked yourself many times this past year “Why did I do that again? What was I thinking?” It’s fine to ask these questions, but it shouldn’t stop there. There has to be an evaluation of it as well.
So, as 2020 draws to a close, I suggest you take some time over the next couple of weeks to look back on this year. It might help if you pull out a piece of paper and write down the major and not-so-major events of this year along with the decisions you’ve made. Then be honest and ask yourself what worked and what hasn’t. What can you do the same and what can you do differently in 2021? When you do this, it will give you a baseline to evaluate what needs to change or what direction you need to head in if you want to see personal or professional growth in the new year. Reflection can be a powerful part of setting you on the right track for the future. Let’s do this together and reap the benefits in the new year ahead.
Jeff Whitaker is a veteran broadcaster here in South Jersey.. He now draws on his experience and training to work with companies and individuals to develop effective storytelling, communications and leadership skills. Find free resources and ways Jeff can work with you at jeffwhitaker.com
