COVID19: From Surviving to Thriving
COVID-19 continues to buzz around every corner, keeping our faces hidden and our movement sparse. Yet while I have become comfortable in less outings and the daily use of my mask, I also know it’s time to leave this space of waiting…for new details, new research, new guidelines, new rules, new school options…an end date. All of this waiting is definitely hindering my productivity. Have you noticed that too?
I think it’s time we officially getting out of line. Stop working on how to survive and turn the high beams on what’s next: thriving.
Are you ready to join me?
Time to slide out from survival mode thinking.
Wouldn’t it be refreshing to just turn off the news for a few days? Skim past supposed newsworthy articles on social media just for the week? Wouldn’t you love to end this line-waiting, data searching, news dumping and get back to things that matter in your life and work? You know, feel a sense of normalcy?
Normal: (n) the usual, average, or typical state or condition.
Don’t tell me that we can’t find normalcy in this moment. Yes, these are trying times. Yes, they may continue for quite some time. But there will be an ultimate shift in our universe once this virus is fully understood, and while that is still unfolding, we can operate in a usual, average or typical state. I mean, we have been at this for 5 months now, so it is becoming almost typical, isn’t it? All we need is a new perspective about this temporary new normal, and a commitment for change.
First, we need a game plan.
Let’s start with accepting the current status. Home has become a chronic staycation, and you are doing your best to look busy, feel productive but often wonder when you will be able to relax. You have accepted your full time job with a part time outlook, but are secretly waiting to see what happens next before getting too serious. Now we can move into action.
Let’s get back to living and doing.
Reframe: Instead of trying to figure out how to work from home, how about if we attempt to live at work? That may sound ridiculous, but it’s a simple matter of creating a perspective that will foster the ability to thrive at both living and working at home.
Make a list of positive thoughts to focus on each day.
Make a second list of specific things you need and want to do.
Create 3 accountability measures that will help you stay focused on your thoughts and tasks. Perhaps a daily planner, electronic reminders on your phone/computer, and/or consider recruiting some support from others.
Following through with this plan will help you move into thriving mode with ease. It might even give you a new glimpse of normal. For now.