At the end of 2020, it would have been disheartening to think that a similar level of uncertainty would still be present at the end of 2021. But … here we are, and questions still abound. Have we gone through the worst of a pandemic or are we still in the middle of it? Where will the midterm elections bring us in 2022? Are we sitting on as much of a political powder keg as it sometimes feels?

During times when so much feels uncertain, it becomes ever more important to check in with yourself, to see how you are really doing. This is also applicable to your business if you happen to own one. So this week, I wanted to implore those of you in that situation to take a moment and do that check in with your yourself and your business.

One reason this is a good idea is because you can’t really move forward without knowing where you have been. If you don’t take the time to do that check-in, then you aren’t learning. You will be making choices based on whims and that is never going to lead to long-term success. When you think about the last year, be sure to look at both successes and failures. Did you not complete everything you had hoped to? If so, why? And even if outside circumstances are to blame, how could you have handled and/or prepared for them better? But also, where did you shine despite those circumstances?

If there is unfinished business that you hoped to complete, how can you still get there moving forward? And don’t just answer such questions with vague assurances and promises. Saying you’ll get there eventually means you can keep kicking your definition of ‘eventually’ down the road. Be sure to set very distinct goals with definite timeframes.

And do not only commit yourself to finishing what remains unfinished. Be sure to ask yourself new questions, too. What would you still like to change about yourself or how you behave in your business? What are you looking forward to learning or implementing? Where can you continue to improve? What is a big risk you are willing to take?

A way to deal with a time of uncertainty is to just kind of move along, be tossed around by the waves, and just keep your head above water. And you may ‘just survive’ for a while with that attitude, but things will never improve. And then when times get more certain, you will not be ready to adapt to them because you haven’t been looking forward the whole time. So may this moment of reflection serve you well, help you find solace, and let you derive strength from where you are even in tumultuous times.