IMPROVE YOURSELF

One of the many things I have learned over the years is that if I am not growing I am dying. Though I am grateful the vortex of 2020 is behind us, as I reflect, 2020 presented many growth opportunities that I'd like to share.

#1. Change is necessary so be in front of the inevitable.

Often we find it easier to stay in our comfort zone, we subscribe to the age old adage "if it isn't broke don't fix it" yet intuitively we all know that change will come. The technological pivot that was required as a result of the pandemic was hard for a lot of organizations that lived in the dormant space of status quo. Surround yourself with people who will challenge your thinking, your systems, your method of operation and always be willing to change even if you don't think change is immediately necessary.

#2. Don't overcomplicate things.

Systems and procedures are great, but as a wise friend shared, if they aren't simple people won't use them. In the midst of a worldwide pandemic the last thing anyone needed was a complicated systems to navigate through. When systems are too complicated you set people up to fail.

#3. We are not in control of anything but our response.

A mentor of mine shared with our team once, E+R=O (Event + Reaction=Outcome). He said, you cannot control the event but you can control your reaction to the event which will have influence over the outcome. That has never left me in all of my years. The only thing we are in control of is our response so let's make sure we are responding in a manner that will have the most positive impact to the outcome.

#4. There is more than one way to get to Dallas!

This is my favorite lesson of all. We often think our way is the only way and if we stay in a frame of mind where we think our way is the only way then we will eventually lose our way. When I travel to Houston my GPS takes me one direction and on my way back GPS always takes me home another. The time variable isn't that big of a difference but the scenery between the two different routes are. My trips home are always more enjoyable than my trips there because the scenery makes all the difference in the world. I get to take time to appreciate the view, the smell, the stops along the way and my spirit is always renewed when I return home. What a difference direction can make right?

As we embark on 2021 and I think about the lessons I've learned I can only hope that these lessons not be lost. As a company we are constantly seeking to improve, grow, evolve, and change. As a leader my goal is to make learning, working, and growing simple. As a leader, mother, lover, friend, my goal is to stay in control of my response and always respond in love and finally, may my way not be the only way! Here is to a healthy, successful, joyous and prosperous 2021 for all!