2021 was a busy year…but was it fun?
Where was the fun?
Looking back at any past year usually means racking up the the business wins - how many clients you had year, how many new creations or innovations you were able to create for them. It’s about the the clients you didn’t get, the failures, the days and projects that didn’t work out the way you wanted them to. Everything goes into either the “win” or “loss” column.
It happens every year, but 2021 was…unique. After all the 2020 cancellations and precarious reschedules, everyone was finally free to plan and wed. And it really did seem for a minute there that “everyone” meant absolutely everyone. It was great, it was nuts, it was gratifying, but it was also a little terrifying. We’re still in the middle of a pandemic here, and the rules seemed to change weekly.
The year that raised the stakes
2021 felt a little bit different because the Win column included “Did not catch covid/go to the hospital/die”. 2021 wasn’t only about whether your business has a pulse, but if you do. Harsh…but also true.
One consequence of the pain of 2020 and the craziness of 2021is it seems to have given everyone a different perspective on what was important to them in their business and the impact on their lives. You’re doing it, even crushing it, but are you enjoying it? I’ve watched, happily, when my clients use their extra income to take vacations with family and friends they’ve haven’t seen in 18 months, not just because they can afford it now, but because it’s more important than ever to grab that time when you can.
What opportunities for fun did 2021 create?
I think that “fun” should be another column in your year in review spreadsheet, every year. It should cover both life and work. What were your favorite, funnest event and project moments? The times when you experienced pure joy at what you helped pull together, laughed out loud, and took a moment to look around and smile, “This is awesome.”? What did your burgeoning business allow you to do personally to find joy and satisfaction in your life? They need to be counted, too. For one thing, it makes it easier to recognize those feelings next year!
I’ll talk to you soon,
Elizabeth
