Did you learn anything yet? I seek to learn something new each and everyday. 

I don't mind failing or looking foolish or being rejected. I think falling down; not getting it right the first, second or 1,000th time is part of growth and development.

I remain unapologetic about my thoughts on learning and winning. I do not believe we lose, I believe we simply learn from our experiences.  In the year 2021, I learned a lot about myself and others. 

I present the 6 things I learned from 6 people in 2021.

The lesson I learned from the people who are vaccinating billions of people around the globe is "With All of Your Getting; Get Understanding"

Each year the U.S. vaccinates 140 million to 150 million residents against influenza. In this current environment COVID-19 environment, vaccinations are much more intense. For Covid-19, the goal is to get vaccines out quickly to all those eligible in a country of 330 million people.

The lesson I learned from the Poet Amanda Gorman is "Hard Work Pays Off"

Amanda S. C. Gorman is an American poet and activist. Her work focuses on issues of oppression, feminism, race, and marginalization, as well as the African diaspora. Gorman was the first person to be named National Youth Poet Laureate.

Speaking wasn’t always easy for Gorman. She struggled with a speech impediment and auditory processing issues throughout her life. Speech articulation was particularly challenging for her. She struggled with the R sound in particular. Gorman listened to the Aaron Burr song from “Hamilton” over and over, which helped her master the R sounds.

Amanda Gorman is the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history, as well as an award-winning writer and cum laude graduate of Harvard University, where she studied Sociology. She has written for the New York Times and has three books forthcoming with Penguin Random House.

The lesson I learned from Colin Kaepernick is  "Remain Connected to Your Purpose"

Colin Rand Kaepernick is an American civil rights activist and a former quarterback. He played six seasons for the San Francisco 49ers in the National Football League. In 2016, he knelt during the national anthem at the start of NFL games in protest of police brutality and racial inequality in the United States.

By my count, the score is the NFL - 0 and Colin Kaepernick - 9, 361. 

As far as I tell, he has not responded with the same hateful vitriol that has been hurled at him. His impact to the world is far greater than the NFL organization.  

The lesson I learned from the late Clayton County Commissioner Sonna Singleton Gregory is  "Consistently Teach The Basics"

Clayton County Commissioner Sonna Singleton Gregory, who championed the involvement of youth in political discourse as well as more social and recreational opportunities for seniors, died on Thursday, May 27, 2021 after a long fight with ovarian cancer.

She was elected in August 2006 and sworn in as a District 1 commissioner in January 2007. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2016. Since then she had become an advocate for the Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance, encouraging women to understand the disease and know its early symptoms. 

The lesson I learned from our two chihuahuas, Sallie and Sam is  "Explore and Enjoy Life"

Our two 1-year old puppies seem to live in the moment and enjoy life. 

 Question: What lesson did you learn over the past year?  Do share.

I'm rooting for you!

Angela M. Odom, Your Leadership Coach

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Angela M. Odom is a life and leadership coach, podcast host, proud Army veteran and the author of BRONCO STRONG: A Memoir of the Last Deployed Personnel Services Battalion and a contributing author to the book, "Camouflaged Sisters: Leadership Through The Eyes of Senior Military Women Leaders". 

ONLINE: Website I Instagram I Facebook I LinkedIn I Twitter I You Tube

Disclaimer: If you click on some of the links and make a purchase, Angela may receive compensation. So click away. 

It's your time to influence others with confidence, credibility, and calmness. Invest in private 1:1 coaching to help you become a better leader in 100 days! Apply Now at https://www.angelaodom.com/leadershipcapacity

I'm rooting for you!

The lesson I learned from my favorite teenager is  "Struggle is part of the growth process"

I'm learning to love the kid I have as opposed to the one I have in my head.  I'm also learning how to shut my big ole mouth and allow space for him to think and to be.  I focused on not trying to save him from the lessons that will enhance his growth. 

I now know that struggling and failing is good for him. He's doing just fine. He still laughs out loud.