image

2020 Gratitude

I hear a lot of people saying, “I can’t wait until 2020 is over,” and I hate to be a downer, but what if 2021 is not much different? We’ve had to learn to adjust to change with every curveball that’s been thrown at us this year. Neither you nor I are immune to the joys and pains of 2020.

Which is why cultivating a habit of gratitude has been an intentional practice this year. I took some time over the Thanksgiving weekend to remind myself of the things I am grateful for this year:

  • The Big Pivot: To be honest, the pandemic has only elevated our business – as people contemplate their mortality, we are positioned to provide important protection for families across the nation. When our insurance carriers pivoted to a 100% virtual platform and deemed us “essential workers” I knew that things were about to get good for those of us who were able to hang on and enjoy the ride. “Where can you go” to find a business like ours?
  • Slower Pace of Life: We’ve all gotten a chance to stop being so “busy”, and this year has helped me focus on “what not to do” almost as much as “what to do.” Slowing down has helped me be more intentional about work time vs. family time and set up clear boundaries for both! (See The Five Gears for more on this topic)
  • Intentional Engagement: In the absence of national conferences and local meetings, we’ve had to become more intentional about engaging with new agents. From the Thursday weekly Corporate Overview and Meet & Greet (the best part!), to Zoom Dial Room, GroupMe, and Daily Baseshop Q&A…we are seeing new agent engagement steadily climbing and I’m excited to see that momentum carry into 2021!
  • Franklin, TN Office which attracted folks like Anne and Glenn to move here from PA and a place for local agents to work and dial together. Not to mention daily collaboration with Beth Maddox as she climbs the levels of leadership – my favorite perk!
  • New Office Staff!! “If you don’t have an admin, you are one,” is one of my favorite quotes in this business. Part of the strategy this year was to find the right people to help grow the organization by delegating some of the plates I was spinning. I started off by making a couple of wrong hires which were great learning experiences….and then we found a dream team social media coordinator, full-time recruiter, digital communications specialist, and of course our support@mysfgteam.com architect, Chelsea. We are ready to take over the world!

If there’s one thing I have learned this year that I am grateful for, it’s the lesson John F. Kennedy taught when he said, “We have nothing to fear but fear itself.” Confronting my own fears and anxieties has been a full time job at times this year. I can’t say that I’ve conquered all of them, but I am getting better….and more aware of them. (Hey, you can’t change what you don’t acknowledge, right?)

Which leads me to the final thing I am grateful for this year: YOU!!

Each of you adds a special dimension to my life and I am grateful to partner with you. As we say, “people come into your life for a reason, for a season, or for a lifetime.” I’m grateful for each of you.

All the best,

image