Well, this year has truly been… different?!
Just as most activity providers eased down to enjoy Christmas with family, many of you will have been swiftly put into Tier 4 restrictions in England, and those around other parts of the UK have seen greater restrictions imposed heading into 2021 too.
Of course, not the end to the year any of us would have wished for.
There is a temptation to fall into the traps of pessimism and negativity and those doubts and fears are absolutely real. We’ve had to deal with uncertainty all year and it looks like this will continue heading into 2021.
However, a few of our thoughts and words of optimism as we close out the year.
Nothing in life is ever certain. Part and parcel of running a small business is dealing with the ups and downs it throws your way every year, so while of course 2020 has been perhaps the toughest challenge we’ve all faced as business owners, understand this will pass (despite it seeming pretty endless right now).
We as a country will deal with Coronavirus (just like other pandemics humans have faced) and this tough time to be running a business in the children’s activity sector will end at some point. There’s a real need to keep the faith and hold onto optimism about the longer-term future.
Really importantly over the next few weeks, you can do one of two things:
1. Surrender to doubt and fear caused by the uncertainty and negativity across media
OR
2. Hold onto the belief and knowledge that we will prevail – your business will thrive once again
It’s possible you may ebb and flow in and out of these two things of course, but we suggest you aim for option 2 as much as you can.
This may just be the most important thing you do over the coming weeks.
There is going to be lots of negative media attention as the Government comes under scrutiny around their decisions over what to do next with Covid-19 (and the small matter of Brexit). We think you’ll really be best served ensuring you’re filtering out the noise and controlling your media consumption in this regard.
Now would be the time to make sure you’re being kept up to date with reliable (non-sensationalist) media channels and making sure you continue getting a daily dose of positivity and perspective. Mindfully choosing not to listen to the many messages of doom and gloom will be critical to both your mental health and your decision making for your business in 2021.
Final thought
We know that children’s activity providers are made of solid stuff. You’ve shown resilience and courage to adapt and work with the challenges over the past few months and while 2021 will likely start with more uncertainty, you should take comfort and confidence is just how well you’ve managed to juggle everything so far.
You CAN do this and you certainly didn’t come this far to stop now.
Wishing you and your family a happy and healthy Christmas and festive season.
