Congratulations! Living in the year 2021 means that you have honed the invaluable and powerful skill of adaptation. 2020 saw our plans thrown off track, lives altered, and expectations shattered. Having emerged from this experience means that you have successfully navigated what many of us fear…large-scale uncertainty. Still, while many of us have been eagerly awaiting 2021 as a light at the end of the 2020 tunnel, the truth is that we don’t know what changes to expect or when they may arrive. Normalcy is a concept that, at this point, must remain fluid. But that’s no problem! Because as 2020 survivors, we are adept and experienced Adaptors! We don’t need to wait for certainty to live our lives, appreciate joys, and embrace adventure. Epic Special Education Staffing is proclaiming 2021 as the Year of Adaptation, which means this is Your Year! Here are some things to keep in mind that will help you get the most out of 2021:
You are a proven Adaptor!
“Our happiness, satisfaction and ability to build a quality relationship; is largely dependent on our adaptability skill,” and your adaptability skill is well-earned, my friend! Let’s use this skill to maintain joy, and get creative with our solutions.
You may be unsure if you’ll be working via Zoom or face-to-face. You’ve already conquered that hurdle! Maybe you’ll need to find new ways to show care and attention to those you love. “Creativity” is your middle name! Even if plans need to be adjusted or postponed, you’ve shown that nothing can keep you from ultimately achieving their goal! This is going to be an incredible year, Adaptor!
Built-in Resilience
An article from the NY Times tells us that “resilience is the ability to recover from difficult experiences and setbacks, to (you guessed it,) adapt, move forward and sometimes even experience growth.” So while you were adjusting and adapting, you were also growing and becoming more resilient. Being resilient means that you’re able to handle whatever comes your way. Plus, according to the Mayo Clinic, resilience “can help protect you from various mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety.”
Manage Expectations
Psych Central tells us that “unrealistic expectations are potentially damaging because they set us and others up for failure.” With that in mind, we need to remember that, right now, “realistic” is a moving target. It’s important to continue moving forward and growing while also setting ourselves up for success.
When making plans, let’s include a detour or two. And since the only thing we have guaranteed control over is our own actions, this is the perfect time to dive into the personal growth or development project that you’ve been thinking about. Nothing can stop you from working on what’s within you!
Help Others do the Same
As an Educator or Clinician you are in a very powerful position. Each day students look to you for direction, support, and encouragement. By recognizing and utilizing your strengths, you can empower others to do the same. It is through these daily opportunities that we at Epic Special Education Staffing achieve our mission, to help every human to manifest their full potential, and how together, we can change the world!
