Well 2020 has come to an end (finally) and I’m sure we are all happy!! What a year it has been with many changes, challenges, and adversity that we all had to overcome. 

Reflecting back on this year can help you process everything that has happened as well as create new goals for 2021! Lets start this new year fresh! 

As I reflected on my year I STARTED with the POSITIVES!! 

I was able to acknowledge things like …

All of these are such important and positive aspects in my personal and professional life. 

As I continued to reflect back on this year I realized all of the obstacles that came my way such as..

1. Being an essential worker during the peak of Covid 
2. Having my volleyball season cancelled
3. Losing friendships I never thought I would lose
4. Adapting to a new way of learning (Online learning)
5. Ending the year having caught Covid  

Through this there were many things I learned. I have overcome each of these obstacles and it has made me stronger and more grateful for everything I have in my life. 

The most important thing I learned was to never take anything for granted. This year there was no guarantee that I would have another volleyball practice, to be able to fly home and see my family, or go out to eat with friends and family. 

In the midst of everything going on I found ways to enjoy the little things that have been given to me in life and not take any day for granted. 

Looking back at this year all I can think is WHAT A YEAR IS HAS BEEN. But I made it to the end and I am stronger because of it and have been able to persevere through every obstacle!

Questions to Ask yourself when reflecting:

1. What are the positive things that came out of this year? 
2. What challenges have I faced this year? 
3. What can I do to set myself up for success next year? 

When setting goals for this next year it is important to keep in mind that we don’t really know what is coming next. We all experienced the unknown this year. I recommend setting a couple of long term goals, but focusing mainly on your short term goals. 

You never know what could get in the way of our goals such as shut downs and new regulations. Having short term goals to complete will give you a sense of ACCOMPLISHMENT, which will lead to having MORE motivation!

My GOALS for 2021 are to …

1. Make the most of EVERY single day (I will not take anything for granted) 
2. Spend quality time with my family. 
3. Be thankful for the supportive friends I have around me.
4. Focusing on the things that are in my control! 
5. Continuing to stay organized in school
6. Reaching out to professors
7. LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST!! 

I challenge you to reflect back and think about all of the positive things that happened this year as well as the obstacles that came your way. Write them down or just make a mental note. Create your own GOALS for next year!

REMEMBER:

You made it through every obstacle and that has created you to be a better stronger individual. You made it through 2020! 

There are no doubts that 2021 will throw more unexpected things our way but how we deal with the adversity will build character and show resilience. 

I hope everyone has a happy holiday and brings in the new year with a positive outlook and ambition to make the world around them a better place!! 

Live life to the fullest! 

-ShockTalks