Every year around this time, many of us have either finished or are still working on what are called New Year’s resolutions, a recurring theme for much of the world. It’s at this time that we seek to correct and improve on our performance from the previous year and to start the year in the right frame of mind. Like millions around the world, I do the same thing. One of the most important things we can do is reflect, evaluate and refocus as we enter a new time period. Time is not really divided, but the measurements of days and weeks and calendars segment our lives into measurable periods, which allow for quantification.
One of the more interesting features of planning for 2021 is that we are planning in a period of great uncertainty. Never in my lifetime have I entered a year unsure of what the next 12 months would look like. Among the many questions are things like: will we still be dealing with the pandemic as the year wanes?
Will business return to normal?
Will there be additional unforeseen challenges?
How can our country survive with limited tourism? And so on.
Normally, when planning for a new year, we can fairly accurately predict income and expenditure, economic conditions and societal norms; 2021 is different.
It’s hard to predict income levels.
It’s hard to predict societal norms.
Will we be free of hand sanitization, wearing masks, lockdowns and the like?
The answer is unknown.
This leads us back to our opening question: what are the keys to planning in the midst of uncertainty? Here, I offer a few suggestions and recommendations:
• Focus on principles rather than events. Conditions change, but principles do not.
A principle is a rule or first rule. When something is a rule, it means that regardless of conditions, we have to respect the principle. Jesus introduced many principles to the world and reiterated others. He said, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” This is a principle that is not subject to environmental conditions. It works in any environment. It is important that the principles we held dear before the pandemic, remain the principles that we adhere to in spite of the pandemic.
• Contingency planning.
When conditions are volatile, it is important to have backup plans that cover future scenarios. We should have a plan for if the pandemic remains and a plan for if it goes away. We should have a plan based upon resumption of normal activity and another for impaired activity. As the saying goes, expect the worst, but plan for the best. What you do not want to do is be unprepared physically or psychologically for the worst-case scenario. Rehearse what you will do in either circumstance.
• Make inside more important than outside.
What is in you is more important than what is around you. Jesus made a statement and said, “The kingdom of God is within you”. This means that what is in you, is far more important than what is around you. It was because of this understanding that his disciples survived famine, shipwreck, imprisonment, torture and every adverse circumstance imaginable. They knew that what they had on the inside was more important than anything on the outside. This is how I have thrived over the years. My inside has become the foundation of my success no matter what has happened externally.
• Keep your attitude right, and your actions will be right.
Attitude is key to success, for many conditions change their attitude. When things are not going right, the nice attitude goes away. When things get better, they smile again, and act nice again. Do not wait for favorable circumstances to display a good attitude because your attitude can affect your circumstances. If you become sour when things are not going right and someone comes across your path who is looking for a smile and an encouraging word, your attitude may actually prevent you from receiving something that would improve your circumstances. If you are a waiter, taxi driver or hospitality worker, a good attitude can be the difference between favor or rejection. Being nice to people generates a reciprocal response. Don’t wait for everything to get better to be nice. Be nice and better will happen to you.
So, in 2021, remember there is great uncertainty, but there are also great principles that work during uncertain times. Take advantage of what is available to you and you can be great even when conditions are not the greatest.
• Pastor Dave Burrows is senior pastor at Bahamas Faith Ministries International. Feel free to email comments, whether you agree or disagree, to pastordaveburrows@hotmail.com. I appreciate your input and dialogue. We become better when we discuss, examine and exchange.
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