How you can make 2020 your year

The new decade is upon us, which brings with it the chance to ponder on successes, achievements and what could have been. It's a chance to align future progress to the groundwork set in 2019 or get the keys to those doors of opportunity in 2020 and beyond.

It's easier to think of the negatives from the past decade, but what if we thought positively? I know what you're thinking- as British people this notion of pessimism is steeped in our genes. This notion of pessimism is often highlighted as a defeatist way of thinking, but what if paying closer attention to negative thoughts is the way forward?

'Everything happens for a reason' - right?

I'm not here to lecture you on 'positive thinking', but let's be honest, this process of becoming enthusiastic about negative situations is going to take some time. The fundamental processes of positive reflection stems from the ability to flip those negative interactions into opportunist possibilities to progress. Kendra Cherry's medically reviewed paper suggests that by starting small and changing one specific aspect of your life allows for the prevention of festering negativity.

However, don't forget that detrimental occurrences often take place due to a buildup of multiple factors. Coming to terms with the individual factors that contribute towards these situations might help to become better prepared for future experiences. It could be as simple as writing, you'll be surprised the creativeness that stems from these wandering thoughts.

An article by Christopher Tan highlights that to administer the change into an optimistic reflector (fancy right?), you should seek to understand the process of why something didn't go to plan. Ask yourself questions- could this be controlled? Is this something that will be massively detrimental to your life? But most importantly, stay calm when doing so. There's nothing worse than getting worked up over something uncontrollable. 

Don't sugarcoat it

I'd like to say that I'm an optimistic person, but even I wouldn't say this is the most effective way of thinking. Einzelgänger released a riveting video that discusses the idea of toxic positivity and how having these moments of suffering allows us to overcome and succeed. He explains that by ignoring the negative thoughts rather than comprehending them will only lead to a decrease in mental health. Being consistently positive, although it may seem great, in reality it can leave you in denial of true feelings. When looking back at the last decade, time should be spent on highlighting those amazing things you've achieved, what you might seek to do more in future and come to terms with the negatives.

Concluding Thoughts
Now you're probably wondering- what does this have to do with me? Well I often like to relate my posts back to how they will positively influence your career progression and development as an individual- and this post is no different!

Imagine if you're able to improve this process of comprehension and overcome those moments when life may seem against you. These ideas directly relate to the important attributes of positive empathy and prosocial behaviour (Morelli, Lieberman & Zaki, 2015), both of these traits being valuable in the workplace and on your CV.

Employers want to know that they're employing someone that can empower and add value to their workforce, so why not try and be more reflective in 2020? Who knows, it might just help you get that job you crave!