Make 2021 your most legendary year yet

If you’re like most people, you might not want to revisit the events of 2020. The pandemic has left an indelible mark on every aspect of our lives. It’s altered how we live, entertain ourselves, shop and work. Masks, social distancing, frequent hand washing, and sanitising have all become part of our new normal.

A recent poll conducted by global talent management solutions LHH found that 92% of respondents felt burned out in the month of November, and a recent Gallup poll reported that mental health and emotional well-being have taken a nosedive worldwide, dropping to their lowest since 2001.

Heading into a New Year mentally and physically drained, how do we pick ourselves up and put our best foot forward come 2021? “In an increasingly stressed world, external factors aren’t likely to change, but our outlook of the situation and the way we react are still within our control. We know that our mental health plays a direct role in our physical well-being, that’s why when we look good it’s hard not to feel good too,” explains Themba Ndlovu from leading male skincare brand Clere For Men.

With the launch of Clere For Men Legend towards the end of 2019, the brand took the meaning of legend – as someone who defines greatness – and unpacked it further into the five qualities they believe are the mark of a legendary man. These are: Strength, stamina, love, perseverance, and admiration. “Why not make 2021 your most legendary year yet?” asks Ndlovu.

He highlights some tips to make this happen…

 Be bold. Take small risks in new situations instead of predicting negative outcomes before giving them a try. Make ‘If I ask for a shot at the promotion, my boss might laugh in my face’ become ‘If I ask for a shot at the promotion, my boss might think I have guts and ambition.’ Make this the year you go the extra mile and put yourself out there.

 Avoid blowing a situation out of proportion. Don’t let one negative experience rule your whole outlook: Change ‘I was supposed to get a promotion but then COVID happened, and now that everything’s on hold, I’ll never advance in my career’ to ‘Things are on hold for a while, but nothing lasts forever and there will be other pathways to success.’

 Focus on the solution, not the problem. You’ll feel more empowered to cope with pandemic curve balls when you step back from the problem and brainstorm a wide range of possibilities. Your inner negativity will direct you to zoom in and focus on the problem. But when you broaden your perspective, you’ll be able to see potential in the big picture.

 Practice positive self-talk. During tough times, be as kind to yourself as you would your best friend. Underscore your triumphs. Affirm positive feedback instead of letting it roll over your head. Throw modesty out the window and remind yourself of all your personal resources.

 Live healthier. This year make it a point to give more attention to activities that will keep you healthy. It could be a shift to a healthier diet, giving more time for sleep, or sticking to a regular exercise regimen. And don’t forget your mental health. Give yourself time to de-stress, relax, and do things that make you happy. Start your day off with a refreshing shower, followed by a moisturiser that will help hydrate, soothe, and rejuvenate your skin for up to 48 hours, this way you’ll feel and look good.

 Keep learning – Steve Jobs once said, ‘Stay hungry. Stay foolish.’ This is one of the most popular pieces of advice on living life to the fullest and he’s right. Life is all about continued improvement. To do this, we should always keep an open mind and stay curious.

Clere for Men Legend is available in a 400ml lotion and 450ml crème.

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