Optimistic, capable, prepared and cooperative in 2023

For last year’s words belong to last year’s language and next year’s words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning. – T.S. Eliot

 

Each year my cousin, a creative artist, asks her friends and family to share their “word” of the year with her and then she creates personalized bracelets for each of us based on our word.

 

This year, I have four words: optimistic, capable, prepared and cooperative. Here’s why I chose these words.

 

In early December, I assembled at a business “synergy” session in Beaufort with approximately 35 other small business owners who serve as each other’s peer advisory board through a business leadership organization, The Alternative Board.

 

Each TAB board, consisting of approximately five to seven small business owners, provides strategic planning advice to the other business owners. Each board is led by an experienced businessperson facilitator who also provides one-on-one business and leadership coaching.

 

At the synergy session, TAB members from several boards heard a presentation from Daniel Island economist Steve Slifer. As reported in these pages several weeks ago when he held his yearly Economic Outlook Conference at the Daniel Island Club (article here: bit.ly/3GtCIy5), Slifer provided detailed and helpful data that he explained pointed to a likely recession in early 2024.

 

Following the presentation, business owners engaged in a question and answer period with Slifer and also discussed their own business and personal concerns in smaller five-person breakout sessions.

 

What struck me was that the general outlook of the business owners was one of optimism. Yes, there was concern over mortgage interest rates, inflation, workforce size, oil costs and a possible looming recession, but there was an overwhelming expression of positivity in the room.

 

The owners recognized that recessions happen, circumstances change, customers leave, unexpected expenses pop up. They acknowledged that the outcome of the challenges were determined by how they reacted, adapted, improved and prepared. 

 

They showed a “get it done” attitude that recognized that they are capable. Our breakout sessions confirmed that they have ingenuity and a “keep on keeping on” mentality.

 

This was not “pie in the sky” thinking. Their optimism was based on being prepared. They were taking actions and strategically planning ahead.

 

And, these boards and the business owners don’t go it alone. They cooperate with and care for one another, their employees, their customers, their communities, and their families.

 

As we begin 2023, I expect that the paper will face its fair share of challenges. You, as individuals, families and in your workplace, will do the same.

 

We can all be optimistic as we work on being capable, prepared and cooperative in 2023.