New Year’s Reflections - Not resolutions

There is no doubt 2020 has been a challenging year -  more challenging for some than others. When you add the holiday season into the equation, and the opportunity to reflect, it does put an interesting spin on the crazy 365 days that started this decade.

Certainly, my professional life changed quite a bit in the second half of the year. In January, I would have never guessed that at the end of the year I would be the head of my own firm with 12 client partners.   I also would have never posited that there would such trial and tribulation to get here.  But as I have spent extra time at home with my family over the last ten days, I have realized how truly fortunate I have been, and continue to be, in all regards. 

For several months, there was no question that my perspective and my reactions to various “things” were off from what’s normal for me - stress from professional change. And yet, my wife and children could not have been more supportive. In fact, with younger children, there is a quick reminder that my kids really don’t care what I do at the office, they just want to see and be with dad.  This reminder was never more evident than around Christmas. Whether it was building Legos, creating gingerbread houses, or coloring pictures, the kids just smiled and laughed as I would sit and play with them.   That made my wife feel great as well.

While many people think of the New Year as a time for “resolutions,” I love to think of it more as a time for reflection. While my waters were a little choppy in the professional ocean, they always were consistent and tranquil at home. I hope you have a chance to see and feel the small and large positives in your own life during a crazy 2020, even if they are not always at the forefront of your own mind.