2020 is Not Canceled

Ringing in 2020 marked a fresh start for many of us. It was not just the start of a new year; it was the start of a new decade. This was going to be a year filled with big achievements. But the year had barely gotten underway when a pandemic disrupted everyone’s plans. Then, we had the eruption of massive social unrest in response to

racial injustice that has been swept under the rug for far too long.

Yet, in spite of everything happening in the world right now, and contrary to popular belief, 2020 is not canceled. And if you feel like you have barely had a chance to accomplish anything, here is some good news: There is still time to make 2020 count.

Meico Whitlock

The truth is that constant change is an inevitable part of life. It is neither good nor bad. It is all about our mindset. We always have two choices: resist change and make ourselves miserable or embrace it as an opportunity to grow even when it does not feel good. In fact, it is from a place of discomfort that we experience growth and transformation. We do not grow when we are comfortable or standing still.

Choosing to see the opportunity or the lesson that results from change sets us up to experience what some researchers call post-traumatic growth (PTG), or positive change that can result from an adverse or traumatic event.

While our immediate plans may be canceled, our purpose has not. Our “how” may have changed, but our “why” remains

In times of change, uncertainty and disruption like these, it may be harder to see our progress. But no matter what is happening in the world, this is not the time to give up or throw in the towel.

the same. In times of change, uncertainty and disruption like these, it may be harder to see our progress. But no matter what is happening in the world, this is not the time to give up or throw in the towel. It is an opportunity to grow and evolve.

Author Anne Lamont says, “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” To finish the year strong, I invite you to unplug 2020 for a few minutes and reboot your year. Take this time to recommit to your original vision, pivot or go back to the drawing board. Be flexible. Change your plans, if needed. But stay on purpose.

I do not have a magic formula for coming out on top. But here is what I know for sure: When you put in the required work through the ups and downs and in-betweens, the universe will always ensure you land in the right place.

How is your year going? Do you need help making a pivot?

Meico Marquette Whitlock liberates changemakers from work-life imbalance and technology overload through speaking, training and coaching. He is the founder and CEO of Mindful Techie, creator of the Intention Planner and a trained mindfulness facilitator. He facilitates transformative experiences that foster wellbeing in a hyperconnected and distracted world, and has worked with organizations such as Cigna, Greenpeace and the World Wildlife Fund. He has been a featured speaker on ABC News, Fox 5, Radio One, and on the main stage at events such as the Nonprofit Technology Conference. You can email him at meico@mindfultechie.com.