A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor — the year that was 2021
How it started.
Just when you think the year that was 2020 couldn’t get any worse, you appear on BBC News In Pictures on the 31st December running, yes running off those mince pies, cheese, crisps and numerous roast dinners. If anyone wishes to see it you can do so here — https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-55488606.
2020 certainly wasn’t all bad, yes, the equilibrium of life, work and the universe may have lost some perspective, and whilst I may have been somewhat delighted to see the back of it, I made it that far and that in itself was a reason to celebrate.
I entered 2021 with determination, hope and trepidation all at once. And well, let’s just say it didn’t disappoint in any of those areas. Let’s find out how it’s going.
I don’t know about you I find I am constantly comparing and questioning myself against the world around me. The pressure to work hard and play hard, have the most impressive client portfolio, smash the extremes, be the fastest runner, run the furthest distance, win the most races, post the best pictures across social media, be slimmer but not too slim, be bold but not too bold, beat yesterday. The pressure we put on ourselves, wow, it really can send even the calmest person into a spin.
So, I have been thinking about what I have achieved, what my plans are for 2022 (that’s my accountability post!) and what is going to make me say this time next year… Lou, you did your best and look what you have achieved!
- 8 x Content Writing Clubs
- 5 x Blog posts (yes, that includes this one!)
- 5 x Face-to-Face meetings
- 4 x Sailing Regattas including the incredible Cowes Week
- 3 x Vaccinations — 4 if you include the flu jab
- 2 x Newsletters (yes, that includes this one!)
- 2 x Award Ceremonies
- 1 x Cat (she/her not an animal) who is helping with Box PR business operations
- 1 x New office filing system
- 1 x Box PR 2022 calendar which will help content creation. I have some available so do let me know if you would like one.
As we say goodbye to 2021 and enter 2022, let’s try and leave that caution and trepidation that is certainly at the forefront of my mind and control the controllables.
“Success is not obtained overnight. It comes in instalments; you get a little bit today, a little bit tomorrow until the whole package is given out. The day you procrastinate, you lose that day’s success.” ― Israelmore Ayivor
My pledge for 2022
I pledge to make 2022 count, to be there for my clients, working with them to achieve their business goals. I pledge to be more aware of the choices I make and the impact my actions have on the environment around me. I pledge to continue to challenge myself both personally and professionally and keep imposter syndrome at bay.
Some of my 2021 recommendations
Who I follow mostly Instagram/LinkedIn but they are on most platforms
· Mel Robbins — Life Coach, feel-good factor
· Pink Storm Social — all things Instagram
· Videosundificulted — social media video and Giphy tips
· Steven Bartlett — thought-provoking
· Helen McGinn — drinks writer and presenter, author and all-round giggle on her stories and wine time
Who I listen to
· Ted Talks (so many to list search away) my favourite for 2021 — Dee Caffari’s talk on the power of what is not said.
· Conversations of Inspiration with Holly Tucker. The clue is in the title.
· Sailing Podcast by Shirley Robertson. This gives you insights into sports professionals (predominantly sailors, coaches, team managers) at the top of the sport, their personalities and their mindset.
· Monday Morning Marketing — gets your brain in gear
· We can do hard things by Glennon Doyle, also highly recommend her book Untamed.
· How to Fail by Elizabeth Day because it’s ok to fail, we cannot win everything. We must learn to fail and to learn from those failures, so we don’t repeat them
· The Mid Point by Gabby Logan. It’s all about life at the halfway stage, whether you are there yet or not it’s worth a listen.
Current reads
· Survival Guide for Freelancers by Sarah Townsend. For freelancers, agencies and those who work for themselves.
· Running Around the Coast of Britain — Life, Love and (very) Loose Plans by Elise Downing. Stubborn, determined, and a girl who is seeking to discover herself. Oh, that sounds familiar.
On my ‘to read’ list
· The High 5 & The Five Second Rule both by Mel Robbins
Find your Tribe
· In March I joined the Valuable Content Writing Club, it happens once a month and it’s been a game-changer for me. Whilst I highly recommend this group, do your own research to find one group that’s right for you. If there’s one thing the last two years has taught us, it’s that we are stronger together.
And if you are looking for the best mince pie (in my opinion) of 2021 it’s Tesco Finest Salted Caramel and Festive Spice Crumble Top. You can thank me later!
Thank you for getting this far, and for being part of the Box PR journey. If you have some time, I’d love to hear from you, how 2021 has been, what are your favourite pods and books, what have you achieved? Now, it’s time to bake a cake for my niece’s 4th birthday and an apple strudel for Christmas day. See you on the other side!
Lou
