The last few years have been unlike any other in our lifetimes. As we close out 2021 and enter 2022, it’s the perfect time to reflect on what we’ve learned, what’s happening now, and what we want to accomplish in the next 12 months. Here are some things to consider.

Celebrate Your Successes

Give yourself time and permission to review what you have completed in 2021. You’ve likely learned and accomplished more than you think. Compare your status on January 1, 2021 with today, and celebrate the changes you’ve made and projects you’ve finished.

Monetize These Trends

Several trends will continue from 2021 into 2022 and beyond. How can you monetize them in your business?

• The move to remote work is likely to continue, especially in certain industries, such as financial services and technology, where the work is delivered digitally. Hiring virtual workers gives employers access to a larger talent pool as well.
• Expanding your online presence, including ecommerce, is paramount. Most businesses spent more time improving the online interface between company and customers as more customers clamored for increased online purchasing, delivery, and curbside pickup. Some brick-and-mortar businesses adapted their business model to develop new digital services, enhancing their current product line.
• Climate changes affected many businesses this year in at least two different ways. Some were victims of disasters via extreme weather. Others became more visibly supportive of climate initiatives, working these initiatives into their mission and offerings.
• Accelerated automation using artificial intelligence is continuing to move through the technology adoption curve. Can your business benefit from AI-driven tech solutions?
• Diversity initiatives will continue to be important in 2022 and beyond.
• Workforce demographics are finally changing. More young people are working in 2021 compared to pre-pandemic numbers, while workers over 50 are retiring at a faster-than-normal rate. Millennials are starting businesses in large numbers, and one statistic shows that 80 percent of those businesses are profitable.
• Staffing struggles are real in many industries. Many business owners who can no longer find employees have had to resort to outsourcing, contract, part-time, virtual, and many other capacity options to keep their businesses afloat.
• Social responsibility has been prioritized by Millennials and members of Gen Z, making business owners ask how they can do their part in their businesses.
• Life-goal realignment is something that has swept the world as people experience a wake-up call because of the pandemic. The search for purpose and meaning is one of many side effects of this trend. Ask yourself how this trend is affecting your customers and employees.

Set 2022 Goals

Let’s not call them New Year’s resolutions, shall we? Still, it’s the right time of year to decide how you can incorporate the trends above with the personal and business successes you’d like to complete by the end of 2022.

Make your list, then schedule milestones on your calendar so you can track your progress.

And above all, have a happy New Year in 2022.