Reflecting on 2020 and the Pandemic
2020 is definitely a year that will be remembered for a long time. The Covid-19 Pandemic has changed things for everyone on this planet. As we are in the last few days of 2020, I spent some time reflecting back on the year and here are my top 5 realizations/lessons from 2020.
- Things are not permanent.
We subconsciously tend to think that the things we have in our life are somewhat permanent and is going to last for xx number of years. 2020 has led to a strong realization that things are not permanent and can disappear from our lives in a moment. This can be our jobs, business, money, relationships with friends and family. Our lives are also not permanent in this world although we plan ahead thinking it is.
The sooner we accept that things are not permanent, we will appreciate things in the moment and letting go becomes easier.
2. We are more interconnected than we think.
We are all connected to and dependent on one another in some way, although the link is not so clearly visible. This is not just on an individual basis but also as groups, organizations, governments and countries. 2020 has shown us how interconnected these elements are through the ripple effect the virus has created. A simple example; the Tourism sector of Sri Lanka. The impact of increase in global infections= drop in tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka=impact on airline operators=impact on hotels=impact of restaurants=impact of tour operators=impact on hospitality staff=impact on their families= impact on tax revenue, hence impacting the entire eco-system which is interconnected.
When we make decisions as individuals or groups, it is important to be conscious of who and what it may effect.
3. We are incredibly adaptive beings.
This year has shown us how resilient we as human beings are. Even in the most difficult of times, we will find ways of adapting to survive in the environment we live in. Within a span of months, we as humans found new ways of living and adjusting to it as the “new normal”. Yes, we were in shock, we cried, we complained but then we came together to be more responsible, to make sacrifices and to raise our voices when needed. Within a year, we created a vaccine (which is unprecedented) because it threatened our survival.
If the purpose is strong enough we will do whatever it takes to achieve it.
4. Even in the darkest of times, opportunities exist.
The pandemic accelerated innovation this year especially in digitalization. As the virus imposed barriers restricting our day to day activities, we were pushed to look for solutions. We shifted to online teaching, remote working, e-commerce and even things like virtual tourism.
If we adopt a solution driven mindset, we will be able to find opportunities in any situation.
5. We are blessed.
The pandemic has helped me focus on what I have and realize how blessed and privileged I am. Yes, I was restricted in going out, had to cancel my foreign trips and faced difficulties with my work this year but I had so much to be thankful for in retrospect. I had a house to live in, my family was with me, I didn’t get fired and was in good health. How many of us are in this position of privilege in an environment where so many have had to face incredible difficulty.
Don’t let what you want make you forget what you have. Always be grateful !
What are your reflections and lessons from 2020?
