What I Said Yes to in 2020

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Back in January of 2020, I told myself I would start to say “yes” more. And I did - for a few weeks or so. Then the pandemic happened and with that, like many, I started saying “no” a lot more. It’s easy to embed in your head the weeks and months we sat on the couch finishing Netflix and not knowing when we could do something again, but eventually, we did.

But, when I think about it, and if I’m really honest with myself, there were many things that I was able to say “yes” to this year because of that. Because there was so much I had to say “no” to, it opened the door for so many other great things to come in.

Therapy. I’ve said this many times before and I’ll say it again – therapy has been the best thing I have done for myself this year. It has allowed me to gain some perspective, shed some things that were weighing me down, and regain focus. Also, therapy in the black community has been somewhat taboo, especially among black men, which is probably why I’ve waited so long. Therapy also has played a huge part in the next thing I said yes to. 

My relationship. Because of therapy, I was able to be in the right frame of mind to meet Anna and have a flourishing relationship with her. The complexities of our relationship are so unique and every day we choose each other. In the past 7 months, we’ve been able to build a strong foundation to build upon and the plans that we have for us and each other are, at times frightening, but amazing. When you meet someone in quarantine, you cut through a lot of bullshit and get straight to the point as we have. This partnership that we have in our relationship and the support we each have for our businesses are some of the best things to come out of 2020 for me.

My podcast. At the end of 2019, I had a goal to start a podcast. It was quickly getting pushed to the back burning as the year began. Well into quarantine, my cohost and I decided to just turn on the mics and go for it! As of now, we are wrapping up the second season of On the Verge Podcast. Even though the main topics are about entrepreneurship and business, we also had serious and enlightening conversations about race and diversity in America. I feel very fortunate and privileged to have a platform where I can share my stories with an audience and provide a perspective.

My business. When I didn’t know if and when real estate was going to become essential again back in the spring, I decided to throw all of my energy into my business and brand. I couldn’t sell any houses for the time being, but I knew I could create content. And I could keep myself top of mind to people who were waiting in the wings. During that downtime, that, looking back, was so needed in many ways, I developed processes and procedures for my business so that I could be more efficient and effective to my clients. And when the summer and fall real estate market exploded, I was ready for it!

2021 goals. If 2020 has taught me anything, it’s not to wait for the “perfect” time. As the months went on, I started to look at what I wanted my 2021 to look like. Started asking myself “what can I do today that will help me make a good foundation for next year?” I started looking at all aspects of my life - the relationship I am in and what we want 2021 to look like and the moves and goals that we have; my real estate business and how I can grow and expand that; as well as my personal brand and what that will look like. I’ve been able to meditate on each of these things, and others, so that I can continue to create the life I want to live.

So take a moment to think about what you said “yes” to this year!