As COVID-19 restrictions begin to ease, many of us have opportunities we’ve longed for—to see friends, play sports, reconnect with our extended family in ‘real-life,’ or just get back to the jobs we love. However, even the changes and re-adjustments we are looking forward to can pose a challenge to our mental health.
Right now, Canadians are stressed. In the months between April and June 2021 alone, one-quarter of Canadians said that they experienced high levels of stress most days, and nearly half said their stress levels had increased compared to before the pandemic.
That’s why I’m taking some time to reflect on the rollercoaster of this past year, and reflecting on what went well and what didn’t. I’m also contemplating what I can do better to start 2022 off right.
Was 2021 a good or bad year?
The most basic question any of us can ask is if 2021 was a “good” year or a “bad” year. Most people will be able to recall at least one or two major life events from the year. The past year may have been a great one for you because you started a new career, got married, bought your first home, or gained financial independence. A bad year may be caused by the loss of a loved one, a loss of finances, or a divorce.
Whether your year was good or bad, you can learn from your mistakes.
It’s up to you whether to view the events of the past year as a chance to learn and grow, or something that keeps you from moving forward. Hopefully, by learning from the lessons and changing accordingly, 2022 will be a successful year.
How have I spent 2021?
Despite the uncertainty of the year, I am thankful that I am finishing 2021 happy and healthy. I was able to spend more time with family this year, while also being able to focus on my career and helping those around me.
Celebrating Computek’s 30 Years of Success
Computek College is nearing the end of its 30th year, and I am so proud of everything the students and staff have achieved. My colleagues at Computek College have successfully migrated to a wide range of online courses to give students a chance to learn and level up their skills to weather whatever 2022 brings. We also introduced new courses, such as the Accounting, Payroll, and Tax diploma to further upskill Canadians in search of new opportunities.
Joining Forbes Business Council
I was thrilled to join the Forbes Business Council this year to share my knowledge with the business community so that all Canadian entrepreneurs can succeed. My goal as a purpose-driven leader is to encourage the sharing of diverse global perspectives and engage with like-minded leaders. I have so far been fortunate to interact with inspiring global leaders and plan to continue contributing to the organization as an active member throughout 2022.
Philanthropy as a Mission
It seems like I say this almost every month, but what we do in our professional lives and businesses is only as good as the community we build. That’s why I’ve made it my life mission to empower those around me through philanthropy.
This year I was proud to support some familiar charities, such as the SAAAC Autism Centre’s Virtual Walk-a-Thon by creating my own #TheInfinityChallenge, and golfing with members of Computek College at the Ajax Pickering Hospital Foundation Mayor’s Charity Golf Classic. As the Chair of The Srinarayanthas Foundation, we were proud to donate to the Canadian Tamil Chamber of Commerce to help it own and operate its own building, as well as provide support for the Filipino Youth Fellowship during Filipino Heritage Month.
Final thoughts on 2021
The past year has seen people trying to return to life as they remember it. You made triumphs or perhaps taken falls along the way, even so, you have made it through and should continue to hold your head high into the new year.
Feel free to share what you are reflecting on as the year comes to an end. Use what you learned from 2021 to make 2022 your best year yet. If you’re looking to make sure that 2022 holds plenty of successes for you, get in touch with me today and learn about how the Maestro Mindset can help you too.
