With the start of a new year, often comes the creation of new goals. While the launch of 2020 may feel anticlimactic this year, there is still lots to celebrate and look forward to. Our friends at Steve & Dan’s Fresh BC Fruit have been working diligently to set new business goals and mindsets for their team as they head into another year of bringing fresh fruit to our community. It may surprise you, but they are already planning for this summer! The summer months are always the busiest for our farmer’s market community.
As a result of the restrictions surrounding the pandemic, Steve & Dan’s decided to innovate in an effort to maintain their commitment to bringing fresh, local food to Edmonton and the surrounding community, and they launched their online market. This dedication to innovation, perseverance, and teamwork are all values they aim to focus on in the new year ahead. One great way Steve & Dan’s encourages team thinking is through a group brainstorm. They gather together to reflect on the past year, discuss what they can and can’t change, look for areas to improve and grow, and set new goals.
This past year held many challenges and we saw a society with polarizing views, but Steve & Dan’s is focused on their mission for 2020 being “love thy neighbours”, especially those with different views and opinions, and they invite you to do the same. The best thing we can do in times as turbulent as these is to offer patience, compassion, and support to those who need it. Steve & Dan’s has also compiled a list of small steps you can take to start the new year off right:
- Focus on what you can change. There is so much that feels out of our control right now, but worrying about what you can’t change only creates added stress. Instead, focus on celebrating what you have right in front of you and look for the best in that.
- Create a vision board. This is a great activity to do if you are lacking inspiration. Spend an evening searching photos, quotes, etc. that reflect what you would like to see in 2021. You could even make this a virtual activity with friends or family. Hang it on your wall and look at it every day as a reminder of what you’re working towards.
- Keep your health a priority. It is more important than ever to make your mental and physical health a priority in the new year. Whatever your health goals are, do what feels right for you. The changes don’t have to be drastic. Try to drink more water, do some form of activity daily, and incorporate fresh food. If you’re comfortable, visiting a farmer’s market can be a great way to stock up on fresh goods while also getting out and seeing some friendly faces.
- Support local. Our community went through tough times in 2020, and that hasn’t stopped as we entered 2021. Your support is needed more than ever. Try to shop local as much as you can. If you are restricted financially, even supporting your favourite small businesses by following, liking, and sharing their content online can make a big difference.
- Make small goals. Some of your goals may feel far away as the pandemic continues, but try and set a few even if they are small. Maybe that means waking up or going to bed earlier, going on a walk during your lunch break, calling or video calling a friend or family member once a week, trying a new hobby you’ve been putting off, reading that book you’ve been meaning to, etc. Whatever it is, making these small improvements can pay off in the long run.
