I’m fascinated by the world we live in. If you consider the amount of creativity we see, diversity we experience and choices we have on a daily basis, it’s awesome. I’m also fascinated by people. We are amazing creatures that live unbelievably unique lives. But we’re also creatures of habit and routine. That word ‘routine’ may mean different things to people, but we all know how it feels. The daily slog of wake up, work, grind, sleep and do it again. For most of us, we do our lives by habit and routine. But for many people 2020 has been a year of disruption filled with uncertainty and almost everyone has had their routines radically altered. Some have endured tragic loss. We can all agree it has been a year like no other. But if you’re like me, 2020 has also caused you to rethink somethings, maybe a lot of things in your life. We’ve learned how great it feels to spend more time at home, and less time traveling for work. Many people started exercising more and thinking about their health. We’ve learned how to work from home, for real this time. We’ve learned how to become virtual meeting experts, home studio producers, math teachers, home remodeling wizards and better cooks.

Have you enjoyed the feeling of learning again? How long had it been since you felt the challenge of a new skill? Isn’t it easy to slip into complacency for weeks, years and decades and settle for normal? Many experts predict that by the latter part of 2021 the world will be much safer from COVID, due to the amazing work being done to develop vaccines and other treatments. We’ll get thru this crisis and be stronger for it, of that I have no doubt. But no one really knows what the new ‘normal’ will be. I think the world has changed, in some ways perhaps for good. We’ve all learned that we don’t have to do things the same way, following the same rules for life to continue. Changing our routines can be good. It can lead to new experiences and a richer life.

Whatever next year brings may yet be over the horizon and beyond our line of sight. But why not take a moment to reflect on all that this year has taught us? We can change. We can adapt. We’ve proven that we can break outside of our boxes and have new experiences. Don’t fall back into ‘normal’ or settle for safe routines. Force yourself to approach the new year by seeking big challenges and staying ready for the unexpected. Make learning new skills your new routine. Don’t be afraid to dream big and then do it. Others will not understand, and that’s ok. No one knows exactly what next year will be like. I’m hopeful that it will not be like 2020, but whatever it is, approach it with a new attitude. Take stock of all that you’ve had to adapt to this year and be proud. Make it your new normal to live Beyond Normal Limits.