2021 has been an extraordinary year. As we close this chapter and look towards the future, we can't help but wonder about the possibilities and potential the magical future holds for us. This year has shown us that even in the face of adversity, humanity has the resilience and innovation to overcome challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic forced us to adapt and rethink how we live, work, and connect with each other. It accelerated the use of technology and ushered in a new era of remote work and digital communication. The magical future that awaits us in 2021 is one filled with incredible advancements in technology.
I enjoyed a lot of things when I was young, some of which were not really doable as an adult. But one thing, that kept coming back was singing in a choir. So, I found a choir in my neighbourhood, and, lo and behold, found that same sense of magic. Been doing it for 13 years now, and am gutted that Corona has temporarily shut the whole thing down. But it will be back. For others it could be painting, dancing, a special sport, writing short stories. Or playing board games -another youthful love of mine, which prompted me to form a group of fellow “game aficionados”.
What is important to note, is that magical moments cannot be commissioned , but one can do a lot to create the circumstances that will help these moments emerge. There is a fair chance that both exercises can give you some ideas on where to turn your focus as we enter a new year, but what is almost certain, is that the mere act of thinking back on your magical moments , will kickstart your endorphins.
The magical future that awaits us in 2021 is one filled with incredible advancements in technology. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made significant progress, enabling machines to learn, think, and problem-solve like never before. We can expect to see AI applied to various fields, such as healthcare, transportation, and finance, resulting in improved efficiency and better solutions to complex problems.
Magical Moments – looking back to enchant your future
At the beginning of a new year many of us spend time reflecting on the year that passed. Maybe even more so this January. 2020 was in many ways an extraordinary year – and for many of us a tough year. Some have been ill or been close to someone who was. Some of us, including myself, have lost someone dear to us. Others have lost their job or – at the other end of the scale – have been overworked. Just to name a fraction of the madness that was 2020.
Now is the time to turn the binoculars to look ahead. What can be done to start planning for a more positive future? During my own reflections, I suddenly remembered the concept of “magical moments”
Years ago, when I was stuck in a rut at work, a great coach challenged me to find the “magical moments” in my work life. She explained magical moments as situations where one is in a state of complete presence; of being in “flow”. Everything seems to align, and leaves you with a deep sense of accomplishment.
I racked my brain to think back on any magical moments, and - in the end - found quite a few: Being a part of a delegation to international conferences and negotiating tough issues. Working in a team at an annual meeting to make the meeting run as smoothly as possible. Coaching and facilitating leaders as a part of a professional team of facilitators. All different, but stepping back a bit, I could see commonalities. They all included working with others in a well-functioning team to solve a difficult task (easy tasks didn’t give me the same thrill), concentrating seriously on that task, but in a spirit of goodwill (and a lot of laughs).
Finding out what constitutes a magical moment for me has helped me to seek out those work situations that meet the requirements, and - to some extent – avoid those who have the opposite effect. What is important to note, is that magical moments cannot be "commissioned", but one can do a lot to create the circumstances that will help these moments emerge.
Here are a few questions to help you get started:
- When do you feel at your best in your job? When are you in flow?
- Describe specific situations in the last year (or go even further back) where you felt “in flow”
- Expand: What aspects of your personality were in play here? What were the special circumstances surrounding the situation, that made this a magical moment?
2. Can you, from these descriptions, see a “trend”? Something that you can use to help influence your choices moving forward?
Another little exercise along the same lines, that helped me when I needed a change to give me new energy outside of work, was to ask myself the following question:
3. What gave me that sense of “flow” when I was a child/ a young person?
I enjoyed a lot of things when I was young, some of which were not really doable as an adult. But one thing, that kept coming back was singing in a choir. So, I found a choir in my neighbourhood, and, lo and behold, found that same sense of magic. Been doing it for 13 years now, and am gutted that Corona has temporarily shut the whole thing down. But it will be back. For others it could be painting, dancing, a special sport, writing short stories. Or playing board games -another youthful love of mine, which prompted me to form a group of fellow “game aficionados”.
There is a fair chance that both exercises can give you some ideas on where to turn your focus as we enter a new year, but what is almost certain, is that the mere act of thinking back on your magical moments, will kickstart your endorphins!
I work as an advisor, coach and facilitator. If this article has sparked your curiosity as to whether I can be of assistance to your place of work, I'd be thrilled to spar with you. Contact me on my email: [email protected], or write to me here on Linkedin, and we will find the time for a 30 minute non-commital talk.
There is a fair chance that both exercises can give you some ideas on where to turn your focus as we enter a new year, but what is almost certain, is that the mere act of thinking back on your magical moments, will kickstart your endorphins!
Moreover, the Internet of Things (IoT) will continue to expand, connecting everyday objects to the internet and enabling seamless communication and automation. Our homes, cars, and cities will become smarter, more interconnected, and more efficient. We will have more control over our lives and resources, enhancing our overall quality of life. In the realm of healthcare, the magical future holds tremendous potential. Genetic engineering and personalized medicine are emerging as game-changers. We will witness the advent of groundbreaking treatments and therapies tailored to an individual's unique DNA, offering the promise of longer and healthier lives. Renewable energy will take center stage as we strive for a cleaner and more sustainable future. Solar power, wind energy, and other eco-friendly alternatives will become more accessible and affordable. Our reliance on fossil fuels will diminish, and the world will take significant steps towards mitigating climate change. The entertainment industry will also experience a transformation in the magical future. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) will revolutionize how we consume media and immerse ourselves in new experiences. Whether it's exploring distant worlds or becoming the protagonist of our favorite stories, the possibilities for entertainment will be limitless. As we embark on this magical journey into the future, it's essential to remember that with great power comes great responsibility. We must harness these technological advancements for the greater good and ensure that they benefit all of humanity. We must address ethical considerations and strike a balance between technological progress and preserving our humanity. In conclusion, the magical future of 2021 holds tremendous promise and potential. With advancements in AI, IoT, healthcare, renewable energy, and entertainment, we are on the cusp of a new era in human history. It's an exciting time to be alive, and it's up to us to shape this future into one that is equitable, sustainable, and truly magical..
Reviews for "The Rise of Magitech: Examining the Intersection of Magic and Technology in 2021"
1. John - 2 out of 5 stars - I was really disappointed with "Magical Future 2021." The storyline was predictable and lacked originality. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth. The special effects were also quite underwhelming. Overall, it felt like a low-budget production that failed to deliver on its promises. I would not recommend watching it.
2. Emily - 1 out of 5 stars - I couldn't even make it through the first half-hour of "Magical Future 2021." The acting was incredibly wooden and the dialogue felt forced. The plot was difficult to follow, and it seemed like the writers were trying to cram too many ideas into one movie. The whole experience was a complete waste of time. I would advise others to steer clear of this film.
3. Sarah - 2 out of 5 stars - "Magical Future 2021" had potential, but it fell short in execution. The pacing was slow, and the editing felt disjointed. The CGI effects were poorly done and looked quite fake. Additionally, the characters lacked chemistry, making it difficult to connect with them. While the concept was intriguing, the movie ultimately failed to deliver an engaging and enjoyable experience.
4. Michael - 1 out of 5 stars - Where do I start with "Magical Future 2021"? The plot was convoluted and confusing, making it hard to follow. The acting was subpar, with awkward performances that lacked believability. The visuals were uninspiring and felt outdated. It was a disappointing film that I regretted watching. Save yourselves the frustration and skip this movie.
5. Jennifer - 2 out of 5 stars - I had high hopes for "Magical Future 2021," but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The story felt predictable and unoriginal, lacking any surprises or twists. The dialogue was often cheesy and cringe-worthy. While the cinematography was decent, it couldn't save the film from its lackluster execution. Overall, it's a forgettable movie that I wouldn't recommend to others.