Growth: Make this Season Count!

“Many of my successes have come on the back of pain”! I heard this on a podcast this morning and I thought about the season that we’re in right now. Many people were hopeful that with the turning of the clock and an official new year that our pandemic-adjusted lives would be drastically different. By now, the reality has most likely hit, and we realize that life is pretty similar to what it was a few months or a few weeks ago. There is, however, the same gift available to each of us during this season and that is the gift of GROWTH!

G – Gratitude

Despite what is happening all around us, there is so much for each of us to be grateful for. We can either use this time to see the bad around us, fill our minds with so much negative news that our heads are spinning, get caught up in the discourse and drama of politics or we can focus on what we can control: our mindset. Having an attitude that is focused on all of life’s blessings, despite our current circumstances, can be as simple as waking up and writing down three things you’re grateful for today. Remember that, while we may be confined to our homes, many are living without a roof over their head.

R – Reflection

This pandemic has made many, including myself, reflect on what’s really important in life. If you have your health, a home, a family, and people who love you, life is pretty darn good! Take a moment to reflect on the blessings that have come from COVID. Perhaps it’s as simple as the quality of conversations that you have with people in your family because you’re all stopping to eat dinner together, where before you were rushing off to hockey practice. Maybe you’ve been pushed into your purpose. Meaning that your current job situation changed, and you had to go out on your own and start that business you’ve always dreamed of. Reflection on thought-provoking questions is a great way to see the light when you feel the darkness closing in! Here are some ideas to consider reflecting on:

• What has been the blessing in COVID?
• What things have I been able to do because of the pandemic that my regular routine would never have allowed for?
• How have my relationships deepened?
• What behaviours or character traits did I display during COVID that I’m really proud of?
• How has this situation made me stronger? More resilient?

O – Ownership

The only thing we can control during this time is our attitude about the situation. We cannot control lockdowns or the speed of vaccine distributions. We can control how we show up every day and the energy that we bring to our interactions. It takes courage to demonstrate ownership and develop a routine that will benefit you long-term. It takes courage and ownership to pivot and change course in your business or personal life to create a sustainable future. There is no knight in shining armour coming to save you and today can be the first day of a journey that feels empowering and energizing by determining to take full ownership of your happiness in a chaotic world.

W – Work!

Keep hustling no matter what! The difference between those who make it and those who won’t during this time is sheer hustle! Work on the right things though. If your industry has become obsolete because of the pandemic, then a shift is required. It may feel good to complain or rally the troops to speak out against cancelled live events, but it won’t feed your family. Work on a new plan, put in the time, be open to new opportunities and keep going no matter what!

T – Trust

Trust the process! If you’re in sales and you’re putting in the hours, the effort and the calls, your efforts will bear fruit in due season. This too shall pass and life will return to a new normal. Business will pick up and even thrive! Markets will rebound and optimism will replace fear and pessimism. Like anything, this pandemic is not here to stay so trust that brighter days are ahead and have hope that doing the work will pay off.

H – Habits

The things that you do each minute turn into each hour which turns into each day, each year, and your lifetime. How will you spend your time during the pandemic? For many of the clients I coach, 2020 was their best year on record. You read that right! It wasn’t without challenge, but they had healthy habits in place that empowered them and increased their hope and confidence. Others may have missed the opportunity during 2020 to really thrive and adopt new habits and the good news is, not only is it a new year but today is a new day! Start owning your day and attitude by adopting positive habits for 2021. Here are a few of our favourite habits at Sigma Promotions:

1. Gratitude Journal
2. Meditation
3. Exercise
4. Meal planning and healthy eating
5. Positive podcasts to replace the news
6. Keeping to a routine while working from home
7. Taking time to reflect on the lessons
8. Reading excellent personal development books

This too shall pass but so will the opportunity to learn and grow through it. Don’t squander this gift for life will be back to the incredibly quick pace that it once was, so make today count!

As always, we would love to hear from you. How are you growing through this season? What have been the most positive habits that you’ve implemented during this time?