Reflections & Planning - Is uncertainty the only certainty?

The Christmas lights are on. The music is playing. But are we going to be able to party together with families and friends this Christmas?

Welcome to Edition 2 of your personal development newsletter. Thank you for subscribing. This is your time to reflect, get inspiration and take actions to help you navigate these uncertain times. So, grab a cuppa and read on.

As the pandemic continues to throw our plans in the air, uncertainties can bring worries and unpleasant stresses to our lives. I am thinking, do we need to embrace uncertainties as the new normal? In this light, Edition 2 of this newsletter before Christmas, I want to offer you a space to reflect on the year we have had and give you some practical tips on how to plan during uncertain times.

Did you have a carefully planned home, work, social life in 2021? The reality is, many people, especially working mums, have had to adapt and spin so many plates to survive the burnout.

December is a perfect time for reflections, celebration and planning the new year.

For many of us, this year, the lines have become blurred.

• We've adjusted to working from home, possibly sharing the workspace with children and partners, not seeing friends and colleagues.
• We've learned to be flexible.
• We've let go of rigid plans.
• And, if it's gone belly up, we smile and count our blessings.

Before the year-end, I'd like to invite you to answer the following:

1. What isn't working in your life, career or business? E.g. what will I stop doing?
2. What's working well? E.g. what will I continue?
3. Where am I headed? E.g. what will I start doing in 2022?

We are all swamped balancing work, families and studies. But I promise you, if you can reflect honestly, you will gain insights to help you thrive in 2022.

During uncertain times, the failure to pause and reflect will leave you feeling overwhelmed, unsatisfied and worried about the future.

This simple exercise can transform your mindset and equip you with resilience to navigate 2022 with more optimism.

The other day, I found myself reminiscing about the "good old days". Before, the world was in a pandemic. Then, I organised many in-person events, as some of you have attended. Here, I celebrated the launch of my book in December 2019 at the Apollo Hotel, Hampshire, UK. But over the last two years, all my events have gone online.

"It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent; it is the one most adaptable to change." Charles Darwin, British naturalist.

What are you planning for 2022?

I can't honestly tell you with any degree of certainty that all my plans for 2022 will work out. I know that my clients will be adapting their plans to cope with the uncertainties.?

Speaking:?I am looking forward to delivering keynote addresses and being a panellist at conferences and events that empower female leaders. I have keynote address bookings for International Women's Day, the One Tech World Conference and Black History Month.

Coaching:?I will continue to work with individuals, teams and corporate clients on leadership, resilience and confidence. I am also excited to be launching an online Women's Leaders group coaching programme - enrolment now open. If you'd like to elevate your life and career in 2022, then Transform Women Academy is for you. Please, email: [email protected]

Family, Faith and Health:?If we have learned anything from the pandemic, our health and family must come first. I will continue to look after my well-being (e.g. emotional, mental, physical) and family in 2022. I have learnt to set clear boundaries. Learning to say "NO" was my biggest learning in 2021. I am very open about my faith and where my strength comes from - my spiritual belief in God. When facing the unknown, I know my faith will sustain me.

In the next edition, we will delve more into how to set SMART goals.

Four ways to cope with uncertainty in 2022

1. Don't resist uncertainty. Remain calm and present. It is easier said than practised, but we choose how we respond to the challenges around us. I practice mindfulness, love spending time outdoors in nature, and I limit the amount of news content I now consume.
2. Maintain a positive mindset. In my book?Transform Within , I urge everyone to live by faith, not fear. We cannot control what is happening in the world. But we must try and plan for what is within our control.
3. Stay curious and trust the process. All will work out for your good. Remember, opportunities can come out of failures and uncertainties.
4. Count your blessings every day. Try journaling every day or when you feel the need to express your gratitude.

I hope that these practical strategies will help you to find peace and calm during these uncertain times. I'd love to hear your thoughts, please leave a comment below. In the next monthly newsletter, we will look at goals set during uncertain times.

Whatever you are doing this season, whether you are celebrating Christmas or not, I wish you a very happy and peaceful time.