Five pieces of advice we could all use right now

This year has been a time that we will all remember for the rest of our lives. There were times when it was hard to stay positive and see the light at the end of the tunnel. Although, I think I can speak for everyone when I say this year taught us life lessons we didn’t know we needed.

I found myself realizing the importance of putting others first, but I also realized how short life really is. This year, I started collecting quotes that I found to help me realize what is truly important in life.

“I thought 2020 would be the year I got everything I wanted. Now I know 2020 is the year I appreciate everything I have.”

• Anonymous

“Too many people are scared to share their visions and thoughts in public or even in board-rooms. Having a strong vision is important for your personal brand. Don’t be afraid to say what you think. Ever. That said, don’t forget to listen, either.”

• Gary Vaynerchuk

“Don’t let anyone ever make you feel like you don’t deserve what you want.”

• Heath Ledger

“So many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security, conformity and conservation, all of which may appear to give one peace of mind, but in reality, nothing is more damaging to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future.”

• John Krakauer

“Your passion, your vision, those ideas you have inside of you, there will never be a better time to chase them. So while you're sitting there talking about what you're going to do… I don't want you to hesitate… I want you to say to yourself, ‘Why not me?’”

• Mark Cuban

While some people saw quarantine as a time to sulk and be resentful towards the world, others saw an opportunity. People started that business they had always dreamt of, confessed those feelings they always had or pursued that hobby they had always thought about.

2020 was a gift handed to us to help us realize what is really important in each of our individual lives. It was supposed to teach people to GET OUT OF THAT COMFORT ZONE. We were handed this time where the entire world was quite literally on hold. How could we not see this as a reality check?

Take a second to reflect as we approach 2021 in a month. What did you learn about yourself? How will you start each day knowing what the world is capable of? When will you finally believe in yourself to start pursuing that dream that lives rent-free in your mind?

Years from now, we will look back on 2020 and all sorts of emotions will come over us. We will remember the fear and worry that we carried with us for months on end. We will remember what it was like to not know when life would get back to "normal." But most importantly, I hope we can remember what we learned: That you have to stop living in your future and learn to live in the moment. Make those goals achievable NOW, not later. Remember 2020 as the year where you were given the chance to start over and appreciate what matters.