Self-Reflection Time: The thoughts of being a recruiter in 2020!

I wanted to write an article that will support my network to remember the lessons from 2020 and get ready for 2021! What will be in store for us next year?! When we thought about the year “2020” – we had so many ideas, aspirations, and goals in mind!

Whether they were personal goals such as weddings, holidays, perhaps buying your first home or simply having a big year at work… it is safe to say any plans that we had initially set out, certainly changed due to the global pandemic.

Throughout the year, I have been speaking to our key contacts, what still strikes me is how positive everyone has been! Even when we have found ourselves in unusual and stressful situations. We have adapted, shown resilience, and adjusted ever so quickly. If you thought about working from home 24/7 even 12 months ago, we never thought that would have been possible!

With the run up to Christmas, I feel ‘bittersweet’ which I never thought I would feel given how the year has shaped up to be! Reflecting-back to summer 2020, I kept thinking to myself “when will all this be over…” or “I can’t wait to go back to normal…”

Before we know it, here comes December and the year is almost over! We are so into the flow of the ‘new norm’ and I for one, must admit that I have enjoyed this unpredictable, challenging, and uncertain journey! After all, they say uncertainty creates exciting experiences.

As I start to wish my clients & candidates Merry Christmas & Happy New Year and booking those catch-up calls ready for 2021. Upon reflection, what a storm of a year it has been and as tough this year has been, it has also been very positive! Not just for myself but so many people that I have been speaking to on a personal and professional level.

If you have ten minutes today, I recommend that you stop what it is your doing, think and reflect on the last few months because you will see just how far you have come!

Working from home on a full-time basis has allowed me to identify what is important when it comes to maintaining a positive experience. I wanted to share with you what I have learned about myself when reflecting upon the last few months. 

·       Knowing our own stress levels: for example, when to take a break or perhaps, simply needing a change of environment. At times I have even simply turned the laptop off and believe or not, I purchased the adult colouring book! Yes, the ones with the intricate designs if you want to bring out your creative side! Therapeutic, I must say!

·       Motivations: having a think about what you have achieved this year and what makes you want to improve and achieve your goals for next year. What challenges did you face? How can we learn, adapt and break down those barriers for next year.

·       Teamwork: allowing others to help and putting your hand up when you need support. Or maybe you just need to have a chinwag to talk about something different with your work-pal. 

·       Attitude: positive mindset, staying focused and having a routine where you can remain consistent with your tasks at hand. Personally, I really enjoy having a physical ‘to-do’ list. The first thing I did when when the first lock-down was announced back in March, was purchasing a pack of highlighters because I enjoy having sense of achievement when crossing things off the list. That positive feeling about having a productive and busy day makes you feel great!

·       Exercise: This has been very difficult this year as gyms have been shut most of the time but when getting out and exercising for even 45 minutes a few times a week. Or even a quick 20-minute walk to get some fresh air! I have so much felt better when coming back home & feeling energised! Trust me – it helps! 

·       Podcasts: if you have Spotify, Ted Talks or You Tube I recommend listening to motivational podcasts! These have been a blessing for positive mental attitude. Feeling great on the inside is then reflected on how you portray yourself on the outside!

Lastly, I will share a quote by Guatama Bhudda “just as a snake sheds its skin, we must shed our past over and over again…” and I must agree, I am a very strong believer in that.

We must reflect on our past, to adapt successfully, learn and move forward.