HBR Readers Reflect on 2020

We recently asked HBR subscribers three questions about how they managed some of the cataclysmic shifts of 2020: What are you grateful for? What’s something you’ve learned? And what is something you want to remember?

There was one dominant theme in their response: gratitude for the professional and personal relationships in their lives. It’s notable to me that in a year in which our divisions have been so visible, our bonds can root deeper. At the same time, this has been a deeply lonely year for so many. But the idea that we heard from so many about how grateful they were for families, colleagues, doctors, and patients offers reasons for hope as we enter 2021.

Below are a lightly edited selection of the responses we received. If you’d like to share how 2020 has impacted you and what you’re planning for 2021, please drop us a line at: [email protected].

And thank you.

What we are grateful for.

As someone who had Covid in September, I am grateful that I did not have to be hospitalized. While I am a Covid “long hauler,” I am grateful that the virus did not stop me from working for a long period of time. I find tremendous purpose in my work, and I am grateful that I am still able to thrive in pursuing that purpose. — Lori Massad

I am grateful for being pushed in new career directions and leaders who have been open, communicative, and encouraging the entire time…I’m growing and learning more every day and I’m grateful for the opportunity to work for a company that doesn’t let imposter syndrome or role changes keep you from achieving your career goals. — Melanie Janisse

I am grateful that as a physician during a health crisis I was able to reduce suffering and provide the best possible care for hundreds of patients. I’ve worked my entire life to be ready for such a moment and am grateful for chance to serve.  — Josh Lowentritt

I’m grateful, as a wheelchair user with a progressive impairment, that we are learning how to do things better virtually, and not just insisting on physical co-location for every single meeting. — Alice Maynard

What we have learned.

This year, I learned the “5 by 5 rule”: If it won’t matter in five years, don’t spend more than five minutes being upset by it. This small piece of advice has helped me out tremendously and I truly hope it helps others out as well. — Joli Sakamoto

I have learned to be grateful and to try to remain positive even at times when I am overwhelmed with things I wish were different. — Johnny Mize

As an anesthetist, I saw Covid deaths at close quarters and it made me remember that life is fragile, humans are fallible, and we should be so grateful for every single day we live and for what life offers us. — Ratna Makker

Bucket lists are fake. Knowing my values, beliefs, and morals in a real daily way is rich. — Jim Trunick

What we want to remember.

For the first time ever in my career, life and work blended. Kids popping into Zoom meetings, spouses coming to deliver lunch to hard-working colleagues, and dogs and cats coming for affection during a key point in a meeting. It truly humanized and made our business interactions more intimate and authentic than ever, and because of that we grew closer. No longer do we pretend we are not parents, spouses, daughters, sons, caregivers, or pet lovers. We struggled, laughed, brainstormed, innovated, and basically survived this pandemic together. — Carol-Ann Lee

Forced to work from home, I rediscovered some of the simple joys of life…like having breakfast every morning with my family. — Allan Brown

After months and months of this pandemic, family is still a pillar in my life. Thanks to my wife, son, daughters, parents, brothers, and parents-in-law for all their patience and love. — Mario Altamirano

I am only limited by my imagination. I can still learn, grow, and develop, even if I can’t leave my home. — Erika Schulz