3 Key Skills You ’ ll Need in 2021
By Paula Quinsee
Last year was supposed to be the year of # 20plenty in 2020 . Now , this year , let it be the year of # 20won , as we hope to win the war against the COVID virus .
Live Well
Many people thought once we got through December and into the new year , things would return to normal and we could put COVID and an awful year behind us . But over the past few weeks , many parts of the world have gone back into lockdown , or had restrictions imposed on them again , due to the second wave of infections .
For that reason , not only will we be hoping to beat COVID this year , but we also hope 2021 will be the year where :
• Remote / hybrid working becomes more acceptable – and not just because of the pandemic .
• Mental health becomes an everyday necessity – and not just because we have to social distance .
• Other pandemics , such as gender-based violence ( GBV ), are eradicated .
• We bring the humanity back into the workplace and our homes .
• And we see diversity , equality and inclusivity increase .
However , as we continue with the need to social distance and work from home , it will be necessary for us to continue to take care of our own and our employee ’ s wellbeing in order to function and remain productive . We may find that coping skills and tools that worked last year will perhaps not be as effective this year , as reality sinks in and we experience more of the same conditions going forward , so here are the three key skills that you should look to develop going forward :
• Self-discipline – the ability to find compelling reasons to do something and commit yourself to see that task or activity through to the very end .
• Self-leadership – the ability to consciously influence your own thoughts and behaviour , in order to achieve your personal goals , or an organisation ’ s goals and objectives .
• Resilience – the ability to adapt to difficult situations , manage your emotions , and to keep functioning .
Critical Skills
The reason these skills are so critical is that they empower us to manage our mental health , our motivation and energy levels , and give us the ability to cope , adapt and be creative and productive .
• On a personal level : These skills help us to manage ourselves , our emotions , our personal relationships and home environment , anxiety and stress levels , to work through challenging situations , adopt a positive mindset and implement boundaries where necessary .
• From an employee perspective : These skills help to develop an employee ’ s problem-solving abilities , to be creative and innovative , to manage their energy and productivity levels , prioritise tasks and deliverables , take care of their mental health , and the ability to be flexible and adaptable in uncertain times .
As we ’ ve come to realise over the past few months , change is the only constant , and the more we become comfortable operating in an ever-changing environment , the better for our wellbeing and the happier we can be .
If you would like to develop these skills for yourself , consider joining the Mancave and Womenology self-leadership programmes , or please get in touch with me for team development options . If you or your someone you know is struggling with their mental health or is not able to cope , please encourage them to reach out for help , either to your employee wellness service provider or to the national support services such as LifeLine and SADAG .
Quench Your Thirst
These days the market is flooded with sports drinks , many with extra punches of concentrate and sugar , but there are a few simple but healthy and effective alternatives you could use instead .
Paula Quinsee is a relationship and life coach , Tedx speaker and author of Embracing Conflict and Embracing No . She is a passionate advocate for healthy relationships and personal transformation , and works with both individuals and companies to better understand our relationship patterns , communication and conflict styles , emotional behaviours and traits , and how to have healthier human interactions in both our personal and workplace worlds . More info at www . paulaquinsee . com .
Coconut Water contains essential electrolytes , punching more potassium than a banana ! There is no added sugar or fat , and it ’ s one of the healthiest options to replenish lost nutrients . It contains easily digestible carbs from natural sugars , which makes it an easy alternative to sports drinks .
Green Tea gives you a natural caffeine kick and antioxidants increase the body ’ s ability to burn fat as fuel , which improves muscle endurance . For the endurance junkies , drinking green tea can help your blood-flow , because flavonoids relax blood vessels , so blood can flow more easily .
Wild Water : Many people find it hard to drink plain water , so choose sparkling water with soaked strawberries and mint , or still water with ice , lime and apple slices . These drinks provide something different with the bubble , kick and flavour , but don ’ t overpower with sweetness , so you will cut calories , but if you need some sweetness , a spoon of honey will do wonders . 37