Firstly, a huge shout out to Becky at Mockingbird Writing for the blog suggestion... coming up with ideas on what to write is HARD, so this was a great suggestion because WHAT. A. YEAR.
HOME IS WHERE ITS AT
I'm definitely more comfortable in my home environment. Even pre-pandemic going out was just never my thing. So being able to work from home and spend time with my family has been hugely rewarding. Talking of family, I became a Dad this year! So spending all this extra time at home has been the, best, thing.
DONT LET FEAR GET IN THE WAY This time last year if I was asked to talk to complete strangers about myself... I would have just said no. Not a chance. But in April/May with the country falling apart I decided, hey, why not! and since all the networking was virtual, the worst-case scenario I'd fake a bad connection and leave. Virtual networking has been SO GOOD and I've met some awesome human beings through it.
LEAVE THIS WORLD A LITTLE BETTER THAN YOU FOUND IT 2020 gave me more time in the garden and going out on walks, the good things in life I normally would try and cram into a weekend! We managed to plant a few trees in our garden and next spring we're hoping to put in some raised flower beds so we can grow our own fruit/veg!
WHEN THE FUN STOPS, STOP
I love video production. But like any other job, it can be stressful, whether it be tight deadlines or having to juggle multiple projects. 2020 has taught me to not sweat the small stuff. Making video content should be fun! and if I'm not enjoying it then I may as well do something else. I try to only work the hours I need to work and then leave it at the desk.
TAKE TIME TO GROUND YOURSELF
Finally, 2020 has given me a chance to actually stop and think. It's so easy when you have 9-5.30 job to just go with the flow and before you know it another year has passed. This year has given me the opportunity to be a better me. This year I've become a better videographer. A better animator. A better colour grader and I've even managed to invest in some of my own kit!
I grow a little every year, and although 2020 has been a complete write off in many respects, I think I'll look back and appreciate this real-world reset. To anyone reading this, I hope its given you a chance too to take stock of what you're doing and hit 2021 with a new sense of purpose and direction.
Want to test out the newfound skills I've honed during 2020? I'd love to have a chat about any projects you have in mind for 2021!