Since we were little, we’ve been taught to think about our future, to think about what we want to be when we grow up. As adults, the questions continue to be asked by family, friends, teachers and employers. These questions about the future are one of the reasons we spend time planning our lives and careers. However, no matter how much we plan or how well we plan, there are always unexpected curveballs thrown our way. While a curveball is one of the most commonly used pitches in baseball, it is one of the most difficult to hit because right when you are about to swing, the ball changes direction.

It is no surprise that our exercise routines have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Between working from home and limited access to gyms, it can be challenging to workout regularly or even maintain the motivation to do so. With so much going on, staying active may not be a priority, but staying active may be the very thing we need.

Knowing we are not alone in our vocational journey…to meaningful work, societal contribution, personal belonging, and more, often makes the way forward less daunting. Most all of us have achieved our goals with the aid of an advocate, be they silent or very present. They were someone who believed in you, your potential and the power of your dreams, and knowing they were in your corner, cheering you on, made your foray into the big unknown world promising.

With the end of 2020 looming, many of us are hungry for a fresh start. This past year has been challenging and stressful. Whether you lost your job due to the COVID-19 pandemic or are merely looking for a new career direction, 2021 might be the time for a "new you." But – if the thought of switching jobs or even industries is enough to give you pause – don't worry. Here are three very achievable steps you can take to start the next chapter of your professional journey.

I’ve heard it said that the only thing you can count on is change. It’s ironic that the one thing in life that is certain often makes us uncomfortable because of its uncertainty. Most people prefer familiarity; we like to be able to make our plans based on some degree of predictability. But change is inevitable and so we must not only accept it as part of life, but we may be better off if we learn to embrace and leverage change in order to obtain our personal and professional goals.

The challenge that was issued, to the then three-year-old National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on May 25, 1961, put into motion one of the most amazing feats in history. Before the decade was done, a man would land on the moon and safely return to Earth. And how exactly was that possible? With a clear vision. Without vision, it becomes very difficult for an organization, individual or group to succeed. Vision provides direction and is an essential ingredient to success.

Becoming a strategic thinker will allow you to exponentially develop your professional skill set and be that person who is constantly thinking ahead and outside of the box before making the next move.

The increasing presence of consumerism marketing and ever-lowering cost of fast-fashion clothing has wide-ranging impacts on the planet and those who inhabit it.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted the way we work, parent, socialize, and for much of how we live our lives. it is becoming obvious that our initial short-term solutions to successfully juggling all of these moving pieces is not going to work indefinitely.

It can be hard not to feel anxious, even dread, when we set a goal or begin a project which we have never done before. In the end, it usually turns out that completing the project wasn’t as hard as we had imagined.