Lessons from 2021

As 2021 winds to a close, we have been doing some reflecting about our experiences and lessons learned this year. Even though making it through a second year of the pandemic is pretty much a win in itself, here are a few other things we've taken away from this year.

1. There is value in sharing knowledge widely. Knowledge that stays trapped -- whether in universities, in practice, or in communities -- is a huge barrier to change. We need to share the findings from our work beyond our professional settings, thinking creatively about ways to distill and disseminate information to diverse audiences, using different approaches and mediums.
   
2. We need to meet people where they're at. If COVID taught us anything, its the importance of listening and adapting - whether by being flexible w/deadlines or methods, building in extra support, of creating space to process where people find themselves in that moment.
3. It is important to invest in relationships, on every project. Strong relationships with clients lead to better experience, a stronger final product, and new and unexpected activities and adventures. Some of the coolest experiences we've had have come out of strong partnerships that have been given space to grow and adapt to new opportunities.
4. Don't do it alone - particularly if you're a freelancer or small business owner. There is so much expertise and talent out there! Rather than try to do everything, find partners with complementary skills, build a better team - and have more fun in the process!
5. Embrace the uncomfortable. Changing systems means disrupting and rebuilding practices, organizational practices, and relationships - none of which is comfortable! Don't fight against it, but work with and through this discomfort to build better systems.

And that's a wrap on 2021 lessons! Looking forward to a new year of partnerships, learning, and change.