Hindsight is 2020, not your typical year. But what’s typical anyway?

I know everyone is ready for 2021, but it is essential to reflect on the good and not so good of 2020. Each year is another opportunity for growth, and it is necessary to identify those learning lessons. Here is what I learned this year on both a business and personal level.

 The biggest lesson is not to take for granted the time you have with family. We expected to see family this year during the Passover holiday season as well as throughout the year. We also expected our family to meet the newest member of our family, Rut Rivka, born on Shavuot. We are going on a year of not seeing our family from the US. While this is hard, it is a good reminder next time we get this opportunity to cherish the ones we love most fully.

The second biggest lesson is to utilize your time wisely. While this depends on the type of work you do and how many kids are at home, and other factors like zoom schooling, many people gained a lot more time. No commuting, no travel, shopping only for necessities, minimal sporting events, and no live entertainment, and the list goes on. Did you take on a new goal or hobby? Did you work on specific skills you always wanted to improve? It is still an excellent time for growth, so take on something new or create a new weekly habit with your family. Let’s make the most of the situation that we are in.

Enjoy the little things. This I took to heart as I was able to step back and see how amazing it is to see our small children grow up. For me, time slowed down a lot. Being present with the kids allows one to appreciate the blessing of being home more often. I was able to give my children kisses before they went to bed just about every night. I could have more family dinners and bond with the kids and my wife on a whole new level. I know this can be hard for those with older kids and zoom school, but having this much time with your immediate family might not ever happen again, so enjoy it.

Dream big. This year allowed us at GCI to think about what we can do to transform the culinary industry. We can look at the industry, pre, during, and post-Covid to determine areas of improvement, what is lacking, and what needs transformation. Significant changes will be coming to the education industry, and we hope to be at the forefront of those significant changes. Dreaming during difficult times usually creates the most incredible breakthroughs.

I could go on with lessons, but I want to give an update on the GCI. Currently, we are focused on our strategic plan and the flagship program. As I mentioned in previous newsletters, this is the heart of everything we do. From our vision and purpose to pedagogy, a lot of the heavy lifting is in the works.

Our goal is to start receiving applications for our first class mid to fall of 2021, and construction permits are close to being complete. We are brainstorming about an online TV series and looking to get more content out to our followers. We also raised more money, met with great people, and moved forward with significant momentum into 2021.

The only way to appreciate the great years is to have some not so great ones. So here is to a great 2021, a year of blessings of good health, meaningful work, and enjoying the little moments with the ones we love most.

L’chaim (To life)

Nathan