Blog: A Sustainable Approach to 2021

At the end of 2020, many people had high hopes for 2021 being a fresh start, anticipating that life would soon shift into a semblance of normality.

In reality much of the world started 2021 in some form of lockdown, with coronavirus numbers through the roof. We (as a collective) are exhausted, we are traumatised, our reserves are depleted, and our mental health is constantly being challenged…

The approach needed to thrive in 2021 will require different skills and tools from previous years. with a considered, sustainable approach being a good place to start.

The Oxford Languages Dictionary Definition of the word sustainable is ‘able to be maintained at a certain rate or level’. Now that it’s abundantly clear that this pandemic is a marathon rather than a sprint, making active choices to create sustainability in all aspects of your life is more important now than ever. How can each of us build a structure for our working life and business that will allow for the uncertainty we have come to expect from the pandemic, but is also sustainable and supportive?

• Set realistic goals and expectations for yourself and for your team. It is most likely we are not operating at full capacity so can we build that, knowledge into the plan rather than be disappointed later?
• Up your game in health & wellbeing. There are few of us who have not been mentally and physically challenged by the last year, so the more we can do to keep our energy and spirits high, the more able we will be to survive and thrive in 2021.
• Get clear on what is in your circle of control and what is outside of it. The chaotic global situation is constantly in the news, on TV and online, however there are some areas that you can have an impact, and most areas you can’t. Reduce your stress levels by focussing most of your time and attention on what you can control, giving as little energy as possible to what you can’t.
• Are there any ‘silver linings’ from the pandemic? For example, some industries and businesses have boomed, some people have strengthened bonds with family and others have had time to reflect on their lives and what is most important to them. Gratitude for what is good in life goes a long way.

The strategies you harness to make the very best of 2021 will of course differ depending on what your personal experience has been during the pandemic. Most of us around the globe have got more pandemic hurdles ahead before the vaccines start to make a real impact. The more sustainable the choices we make for our businesses, our work lives and our personal lives, the more likely we are to move through this year with relative ease and grace.

From the team at SKCI, we hope this finds you well and wish you all the very best for the year ahead. If we can support you, or your business, in the coming months please do get in touch.