We all know that 2020 has been a dumpster fire. However, for my family, that dumpster fire turned into a shitstorm with multiple dumpster fires flying around in it starting around October 5. It’s not the first time my family has faced crisis, as I’m sure yours has as well, but it’s probably one of the worst times due to the circumstances . . . and I won’t bore you with all the gory details, but it includes, battling COVID and spin-off illnesses, dealing with two of three of us being hospitalized (one of whom is still in critical condition in the hospital more than a month later), a run in with an ill-mannered horse that has had me on crutches since the end of October, and trying to keep my business and animal rescue afloat.

In the midst of this storm of crises, the ability to prioritize and focus has become especially important to me and my family. In fact, it’s probably the only thing that has kept us sane for the past 6 weeks. So, I thought I’d share a little bit of our approach to handling crises in the hopes it helps you navigate your own.

Family first, but don’t forget what feeds the family.

When you’re facing a family crisis, it’s easy to let your job, your business, and your finances go by the wayside. However, if you let go of those things completely, you’ll lose the ability to take care of the family you’re trying to prioritize.

It’s okay to break down, but don’t give up.

When you’re facing dark days, it’s okay to admit that. It’s okay to cry. It’s okay to do what you need to do to deal with your emotions. However, it’s important to make an effort to keep moving forward, even with little steps; not only for yourself, but for everyone around you who is watching your example, whether you realize it or not.

Take the time each day to prioritize your activities.

I’m the first to admit that there have been some days in the past six weeks that I’ve done the bare minimum to meet my obligations, but I met those minimum obligations. Every day I write down the goal or focus for the day and stay with that. I also ensure that there’s balance in the week to ensure I’ve met the needs for self care, care of family, care of business, and care of our rescued animals.

Reassess what success looks like.

I’ll bet we all had a very different view of what our goals and successes were going to be when we went into 2020 than as we look back on them now… and that’s okay. Sometimes, despite your best intentions and goals, circumstances just don’t allow you to achieve them. Focus on what you have achieved rather than what you haven’t. Take the small wins and count them as victories in this crazy year.

Start planning for a better “next year.”

Although things are still very uncertain and a bit chaotic in my life right now, I’m already looking forward to how I can make 2021 better- at least within my locus of control. And I’m starting with this blog. I’ve been writing The performance Communication Blog for 10 years and quite frankly, 2020 wasn’t a year for stellar posts or even consistency (if you haven’t noticed, BLESS YOU!), but as I look to do better for myself and do better by you my readers in 2021, I would ask that you take just 2-3 minutes to respond to this reader survey so that the blog can better reflect what you need from it and from me in 2021. https://bit.ly/amysblogsurvey

Thank you for listening.

Amy