Perspective – Patience, Connection and Resilience for 2021

Recently I was downloading some old photos and found this pic I took while driving up Trail Ridge Road, in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado in the fall of 2016. We had stopped here to take in the beautiful landscape. What struck me then and now, is how my experience of what I was seeing changed once we reached the spot where I took this picture.

As we ascended to an elevation of 11,000 feet, the air grew colder and the scenery more inspiring. I saw the mountains and the gorgeous green of the park as we wound up the narrow mountain road, but it was only when I had the chance to stop and take in the full view, my perspective of the landscape changed. I saw and felt the vastness of the park and its beautiful wildness. My point of view was bigger and I was able to take in what I was seeing all at once.

There are metaphors or maxims I could insert here about elevation, point of view or reaching a summit, but what I want to focus on is perspective.

2020 marked the end of a decade and I see it as a grand detour that will continue for a while. It was instructive as we had to navigate challenges never seen before. 2020 demanded that we maintain our perspective and declare a point of view for almost every aspect of our daily lives.

For many of us our perspectives changed or grew last year in positive ways that we should keep. Having patience, maintaining connection and staying resilient are some of the positive results of a tremendously challenging year and are important ways to continue to move forward in 2021.

PATIENCE

“the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset”.

We demonstrated patience with technology, our colleagues as they juggled working from home and disruption of routine. We learned we can be patient with ourselves, our families and strangers.  I’ve learned that the things that are the most worthwhile, require the most patience.

For 2021:
  • Actively decide what’s important to you. How much patience do you need to have?
  • Be mindful of the things that make you feel impatient!

 

CONNECTION

Literally and figuratively, we made connections. Technology enabled us to be alone together. We figured out how to get connected without being in the same room, office or country. More importantly, we cared about being connected to each other. Business meetings, classes and social gatherings all done virtually showed us that no matter what’s going on, we want to stay connected. Be intentional and reach out to others. A quick virtual hello or check in, makes a difference.

For 2021:
  • Be there for someone. People want to hear from you.
  • Ask “How are you”? often and take time to hear the answer.

 

RESILIENCE

“the ability of a substance or object to spring back into shape; elasticity”.

Last year we had to become more resilient. Things changed quickly and with no end in sight. Change and the uncertainty it brings, forces us to get clear on what really matters to us. Our ability to “spring back” physically, emotionally and mentally will continue to be tested and strengthened as we face new norms and ways of being.

For 2021:
  • What will feed your resilience during uncertainty? What helps you spring back physically, emotionally, mentally or even spiritually?
  • What are your core values? They will help you get clear on what matters and what doesn’t.

 

Here’s to embracing a new year! I hope this year gives you a chance to embrace your own perspective and take in the full view with “new eyes”!

 

Pauline Greenidge
info@upwardhr.ca

Pauline Greenidge is an HR Consultant and Chartered Professional in Human Resources. She empowers others to create positive employee experiences. Her book A Grand Dinner Party is available on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca.

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