As we start a new year, many of us are looking to put 2020 far behind us. We are all hoping for some a href=”https://robertglazer.com/friday-forward/being-lucky/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>better luck in 2021. In that vein, I’d like to share seven of the most impactful Friday Forwards of the past year:

1. Stockdale Paradox (April 17^th)
In his legendary book, Good To Great, Jim Collins found that the most enduring companies have this key quality in common, a phenomenon named for decorated Naval Officer and prisoner of war, James Stockdale.

2. Simple Gestures (November 27th)
An inspiring story of a chance meeting between a business traveler and a barista in the Minneapolis Airport shows just how impactful small acts of kindness can be in the lives of others.

3. What’s Essential (September 4th)
Distinguished researcher and author Greg McKeown found most of us spend far too much time on things that don’t fulfill us. In 2020, it became more important than ever to understand what is most essential in our lives, and what we simply don’t need.

4. Thinking Downstream (March 20th)
Hilton salesperson Justin Essner had his career upended by the Covid-19 pandemic. Instead of blaming others or wallowing in despair, he decided to show generosity and kindness to others affected by the pandemic instead.

5. Measuring Life (January 31st)
In a year of loss, the tragic passing of business visionary Clayton Christensen and basketball icon Kobe Bryant in the same week were an early shock. Learn how both these titans redefined how we measure the value of our lives.

6. Choice Words (January 17th)
When we give feedback or critiques, either to our loved ones, peers or the people we lead, the words we choose are of the utmost importance. Here’s how to make feedback count, with advice from Radical Candor author Kim Scott.

7. New Normal (March 27th)
I’ve been repeatedly amazed by the adaptations individuals, families and businesses have made during an unprecedented pandemic and recession. It’s interesting to reflect back on the early weeks of the pandemic to see how we’ve adjusted, endured and sacrificed over time.

I want to wish everyone a happy new year, and thank you to all of you for continuing to read and share Friday Forward. I hope 2021 brings us better fortunes.