The Race is Won in 2021
“The race is not given to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, but to those that endure to the end.”
It’s that time of year when we take a look at how we maneuvered in the year before and take stock of the corrections needed. I actually don’t feel that 2020 kicked my ass. It most certainly was a challenge but I have endured much more. When 2020 began, my mantra was “All me in 2020” and damn if that didn’t happen. I had all the time in the world to focus on me, and I am better for it. The relation between the year and what is known as perfect vision is not lost on me. Many things were cleared from my path allowing me to see more clear. We all had to pivot in some way to make it to 2021 and for me the race continues on.
I say this often but I am only in competition with myself. I have no guilt for doing things my way and in my own time. I have no remorse for saying no to things that no longer serve me well. Any time I have sat with myself and been intentional about my work, whatever that work happens to be, I have proven successful and this year will be no different.
Literally anything we desire is within reach if we just take the time to map it out. Our resources are limitless:
Those are just a few of the sites I frequent regularly to learn about whatever pops into this brain of mine. I no longer had regular access to my photographer so I researched how to take my own photos with the most basic equipment. I tested out what I learned for 30 days straight and saw my reach grow over 100%, interactions with my content over 400% and my followers steadily increasing. I even had people asking if I could take their photos for them, my own photographer complimented me on a technical term that I did not even know I captured (I know now though). I wanted a new opportunity at work so I enrolled in a certificate program at Cornell University in a subject I had no clue about, but I passed with over 90%, earning my certification from an ivy league university amongst professionals who have done this work for most of their career, and I was able to get my organization to cover the cost. I am a few weeks away from earning yet another certification in a totally different subject from Coursera (see link above for 50% off your first course - you’re welcome). Not too shabby for someone with JUST an associates degree…
This is not a brag, I just want you to know that it works. All of this works if you work it and you don’t have to sprint to get there. I move at my own pace. Take your time, study the craft you wish to improve and then implement what you have learned. It really is that simple once you get out of your own way. Enjoy the rest of this weekend, we all deserved the celebration but after the champagne is dried up and you put away your sequins, kick off your shoes and get to the intentional work. There is no crystal ball to predict the outcome but I know the work will be rewarded with the fun you are entitled to.
I plan to keep up my pace in 2021 and I hope you are inspired to do the same.