Choosing Your Impact for 2021
By now you have probably seen or heard countless challenges we will face as leaders and individual contributors in 2021. It is true that 2020 was like nothing most of us have ever seen so no need to belabor that point in this short read. What is just as exhausting though is the constant reminder of the new normal and what we all must do to adjust, adhere, or even just survive. The interesting component of all this? Most of these are things we should have been doing all along.
From inclusion and diversity; being empathetic and listening; driving a positive workplace culture and simply living a life that brings value to others, it’s a shame it takes earth shaking events to create a sudden awareness. At Johnson Health Center where I enter my sixth year as the CEO, we were, thankfully, already doing all these things. For us, it was more validation than anything else and just moved us to be more vigilant in our actions and improve things. I do, however, think 2020 caught many organizations off-guard.
Since there are so many reads on top five and ten things to focus on for 2021, I won’t go into all that here. What I will emphasize in this brief read is self-care. I have written about this in the past and speak on it quite often. There is no good way to say it but if 2021 is anything like 2020 and you are not physically and emotionally prepared, it could have damaging effects that takes years to overcome in both the professional and personal life.
In a Harvard Health Letter that was published in February of 2013, it speaks to the benefit of getting between 75 and 150 minutes of physical activity per week. "Being physically active is one of the best things you can do for health. It decreases the risk of many chronic diseases and so enhances longevity; it also improves physical and mental functioning” The letter goes on to say that even basic physical activity can add two years to your life with the potential to add up to seven depending on what you take on.
While adding years to life sounds nice, it is not what drives me nor should it drive you. I have always promoted it is not about adding years to your life but life to your years. Now that I have two grandchildren with two more coming soon in addition to expanding my leadership consulting to include restaurants, ministries and 1:1 coaching – I have to choose wisely and be prepared. As a leader, others depend on us and we can’t lead or take care of them without modeling the way and taking care of ourselves first.
So, as you head into this year, consider focusing on the following:
15-30 minutes of physical activity five days a week (brisk walking, weight training, your favorite recreation activity – mine is still softball and thankfully I get to play with folks over 50)
Build in that one day of rest and do your best to disconnect
Positivity breeds hope for both individuals and others; commit to being positive at all times – regardless of your situation
Review the Impact Leadership Model here and determine what needs additional focus to keep you on track
Never give up, no matter what
May your 2021 be a positive, impactful and healthy year! See you along the way.
Gary Campbell