Some people have found a way to thrive this year, while many others are struggling — badly. It’s easy, convenient, and justifiable to blame 2020 for your troubles. We now know the “I don’t have enough time” excuse wasn’t valid, but this is not the place to judge. I look at this year as a kind of accelerant. It’s ten years compressed into one, and much like the sudden accumulation of alcohol, money, or power, it has revealed the core you. That’s why some have stayed on track and are thriving, and others feel stuck in purgatory or worse. I have some suggestions on how to start to bounce back. They don’t replace the need for proper physical and mental attention; instead, they serve as a blueprint if you are battling private demons, feeling lethargic, or adrift in the fog.

​

1. Eliminate or reduce your addictions

Maybe you had these in 2019, but you labeled them as bad habits, or perhaps you picked up some new distractions to help numb the pain and boredom. These are a drain on your resources, your time, energy, money. Everyone has an addiction to something; alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, gambling, porn, food, shopping, screentime, people-pleasing, you know what it is for you. It would be better for you to get help from others, but in the meantime, you can make yourself aware of how much waste your addiction is producing by tracking your use of negative habits and then making an effort to reduce them.

​

2. Set boundaries

As an adult, you are responsible for your feelings, thoughts, beliefs, behavior, and mental health. You are not responsible for other people’s feelings, thoughts, beliefs, behavior, and mental health. Knowing your limits and communicating them with respect is setting clear boundaries. Now is an excellent time to renegotiate your boundaries with yourself.

​

3. Forgive yourself and others

There is great power in forgiveness. Give yourself a break, you have been through a lot, and you are in the process of getting through more; that’s a big deal. Forgive yourself for any shortcomings and then think if there are any people you could forgive, too, and lift the burden of guilt or shame. You could do with a lighter load.

​

4. Be grateful

Begin to practice gratitude again — for everything. Go on a gratitude rampage. Do you have eyelids and fingernails? Be grateful. Can you breathe freely? Start there and work your way up. As you do this exercise, you will quite quickly become amazed at how fortunate you are. Practice it frequently.

​

5. Be helpful

Are you suffering from woe-is-meism? That’s not helping you get what you want or need, is it? Give your wants a rest for now and go help someone else in need for a while. If you have the means financially or physically, be of service. Can’t do that? Practice random acts of kindness. Drop positivity and compliments on social media feeds instead of simple hearts or troll-full hate. Introduce people to one another. Offer a tip or idea someone might be able to use. Everyone could benefit from some help.

​

6. Sleep

We are all a little different, but you probably know what optimal sleep does for you by now. Make it a priority to achieve that goal every night. Track your sleep patterns to see improvements. Start wind-down rituals if you need to. Your body and mind must rest to recharge and solve problems without your interference. Let it do its work. It’s irresponsible and often dangerous to not allow yourself the time you need to rejuvenate.

​

7. Drink water

It’s cliche at this point, but you are likely flirting with dehydration daily, and that affects your health and mood. Maybe you find water boring or don’t want to have to go to the bathroom more often. It’s time to get over these mental obstacles and begin regulating your body. Figure out what the right amount of water is for you and strive to consume it regularly.

​

8. Move your body

Some sort of exercise is essential. A brisk walk is fine, but if you have access and ambition, strive for something more strenuous. Your body is not designed to stay under the covers all day or sit in a comfy chair and stare at a blue screen. It’s designed to move. So, even if you start by only doing laps around your bedroom — good for you. Keep going.

​

9. Create a vision, your picture of success

With all the items on this list out of the way or in process, you can begin to think about the future with more clarity. Pick a timeframe; if life is challenging for you right now, day-by-day or week-by-week might be fine. As you feel better, it’s easier to be hopeful toward the future, and you can begin to imagine what’s different in a month, three months, a year, or three. Don’t worry about going beyond three years right now. Begin to form a picture of success for yourself; let’s say six months from today. What has to happen for you personally and professionally to make what you’re picturing come to be? Think about the items you have control over, mark them down, and make a rough action plan to start tackling them.

​

Yes, this year has been …. interesting. It’s time to admit that it’s making you better and more resourceful. You can bounce back when you think about how powerful you will be on the other side of this. Think of the stories you are going to tell to future generations. You’re beautiful, powerful, and strong — 2020 STRONG.

You can listen to the Reflections on Leadership Podcast here => Reflection on Leadership Podcast​

​

In this update, you'll find ...

​

1. Servant Leadership Matters
2. Evenings End
3. Don't Be the A-Hole on The Team
4. Leader's Tip Daily
5. Want to Work with Karl Bimshas?

​

In this weekly update, I share astute insights, useful resources, and unique distractions. If you don't want this type of communication anymore, scroll down to the bottom of this message and opt-out, so we don't waste each other's time.

​

Thanks!

​

​

Servant Leadership Matters

As a middle-aged straight white man, I’ll get by no matter who’s president. Unfortunately, many of the people I know and care about do not enjoy that collection of privilege ... KEEP READING​

​

---

​

Evenings End

I'm pleased to share this clip of New York City Actress Christi Steyn reciting one of my poems from my book, Caffeinated Romance, See it here => http://karlbimshas.com/evenings-end/​

​

---

​

Don't Be the A-Hole on The Team

How can you be a good team leader without being an a-hole? They say there’s no I in team, yet, executive suites and corner offices remain havens for barrel-chested man-babies who treat people like they are disposable. In “Don’t Be the A-Hole on The Team; 36 Tips to Manage Better and Lead Well,” leadership advisor Karl Bimshas supplies the commonsense hacks all leaders can use to improve the performance of their team. KINDLE VERSION IS FREE UNTIL 11/02/2020​

​

---

​

Leader's Tip Daily

"Leader's Tip" is the daily email delivered to busy professionals worldwide who benefit from the quick reminders, advice, and humor it takes to be a better leader. Sign up here and receive "The Self-Charter Workbook" free => Leaderstip.com​

​

---

​

Want to Work with Karl Bimshas?

Are you ready to explore a Leadership Development and Accountability Agreement with Karl Bimshas Consulting? This is your invitation => INVITATION​

​

---

​

If you haven't done so already, vote and stay safe. Keep advancing confidently in the direction of your dreams, and help others along the way.

​

Thank you,

​

-Karl

​

Karl Bimshas Consulting

​Leadership Advisor | Writer | Podcast Host​​

​

​

​

---

Hey, Friends Don't Let Friends Become Lousy Leaders.

They introduce them to Karl Bimshas Consulting.

​

I AM A GOOD FRIEND!

​

​

​

​