Have you taken into account how the disruption of the past year may have affected your data?
2020 certainly presented an array of unforeseen challenges for businesses, and 2021 looks likely to have tests of its own. It’s important to stay positive, and not be too hard on yourself.
The data you’re looking at may not show the progress you would have wanted, but it’s necessary to factor in the difficulties and adjustments you have had to make. To have survived a period of such great financial uncertainty is an achievement in itself.
More than ever it is essential that the numbers are contextualised. Frequently changing circumstances have meant less profit for shops, a greater reliance on online services, and perhaps even staff absences. Things have been far from normal, but as we begin to edge closer to better times it’s vital that a more rounded view of success is taken, particularly with regard to analysing the figures.
Consider the numbers accordingly. Certainly don’t disregard worrying trends, but also don’t put pressure on yourself and others to achieve things that simply haven’t been possible.
Normality is on the horizon; a degree of patience is just needed to reach it.
