Due to Covid-19, the impact on social and business gatherings have been totally restricted throughout many countries. Some terms that have been used include lock-down, semi lock-down, quarantine, circuit measures, self-distancing, social distancing etc. During this time, such gatherings have been replaced by online conferencing, phones and through home based devices.
Simply put, the world is on a pause with this virus. Nothing is the norm anymore. We can’t go to work, schools have closed and non-essential shops are no longer operating. We’re in this waiting period. The good news is, this is a REBOOT. On one hand, rebooting can be an inconvenient phrase because you have to shut everything down for the time being. However, once the rebooting period has finished, we can operate on a whole new level. We can accomplish tasks that we’ve never done before. We’ve better speed through online communication, more capability to ultimate performance.
It is with no doubt that business cannot return to how it was before. You need to embrace change in order for the reboot to be effective. You need to evaluate how you are allocating your time. Are you making the most of your life by pursuing your dreams and fulfilling your purpose? Or, are you just going through the day, unexcited and unmotivated because you are stuck in a mundane job. This is the time to make adjustments. Stay open for something new. What you did 10 years ago may no longer be applicable for now. Your “software” needs to be upgraded or rebooted. This is the chance to make new friendships, network and unite as a community. May we all come out of this rebooting with a fresh, new mindset.
Overcoming inadequacy and lack of confidence
The next question we are haunted with is: am I confident enough to try new things? We need to muster a lot of confidence and seek encouragement in order to do something different. It’s not about how confident you are regarding whether you are ready to pursue something and try new things. It’s the courage and bravery that sets the confidence.
Some of you may worry you are not good at it and not quite sure what people would think. Will you be faced with any criticism or negative comments? The answer is, focus on the objective and goal. With that in mind, you will need courage to execute your focus. You don’t have to be 100% confident as this is nearly impossible, but place your focus on taking the necessary steps to pursue your goal. One of the tragedies in life is the concept of “What If?”. What if I have so many doubts that are not going to work out?
With the Covid-19, the self-employed are operating out of zero income. What have you got to lose? It’s time to focus on building a community and a strong online presence. Once the Covid-19 measures are lifted, your effort of keeping an online presence will be in fruition. Your community will remember you and reach out to you once again. You have the additional avenue of an online learning platform where people will gradually grow to become more receptive to your new learning platform.
Understanding Judgement
People have their individual thoughts and values and whether they are flattering or unflattering thoughts, you can’t control them. This is because everyone is attached to his or her own values and principles through their personal standards, background, pain, past experiences, exposure, brand, expectation, culture, childhood and beliefs. And of course, you are entitled to your own too. It doesn’t matter if theirs don’t resonate with yours because their values do not necessarily align with your values. Whatever they think of you, it’s a measure of their own and nothing to do with you. During such a difficult time, you can choose to implement the concept of ‘emotional distancing’. It’s hard sometimes because humans crave for affirmation and emotional attachment and approvals. Learn to detach from these emotions so you’re able to focus on the mental toughness and achieve your goals and aspirations.
Practice Acceptance
It is significant to never perceive mistakes as a failure as this can be an unhealthy mindset. Take time to practice self-love and kindness. View results as an experiment and not proof to others that you’re good enough, worthy, successful etc. Your journey belongs to you. At times, you may be concerned about what people would think. You don’t want to appear like a failure, especially to those around you.
It is inevitable that your colleagues, friends, peers, relatives and competitors will talk about you, laugh at you and to a certain extent, ostracize you because you don’t belong to their list of accepted norms within society. This constant need for validation coupled with different forms of criticism can stop you from doing something worthwhile and meaningful. My suggestion is to practice emotional distancing. You don’t have to ask anyone’s permission to fulfil your dream, a goal or an objective. Your self worth and self love should be made the top priority. Make sure not to let anyone hold ransom of your emotions or take your emotions for a ride. You may want to discern what’s noise and what’s voice. Constructive voices that hold some truths to your improvement are helpful than noises or ignorance that hold you emotionally hostage. You can tune in and out or off it when there are too many noises that will not guide you throughout your journey.
Your proof is when you attach your value of your life to what a good profession is. You measure success by how content you are. Happiness is at peace in everything around you. You will find joy in what you do, and realise certain aspects in life are flexible enough to bend it. Successful people, small or big entrepreneurs, do not crave for applause because they know the journey isn’t rosy. At times, it can be lonely. Hence, they value their lives and those who stood by them and watch them grow.
Resilience
Being resilient means the ability to bounce back, adapt to changes and adopt new methods. However, it doesn’t mean you adopt just one method. Implement various methods until it works. Throughout your journey, learn to brush off your troubles quickly and march on. There is no time for procrastination so do not spend too long sobbing over trivial mistakes, news or painful experiences. It’s good to find a quiet space and seek a spiritual path for your soul enrichment. As long as you’re well prepared, you will be able to achieve something along the way.
What if you feel like there are no results?
It’s illogical to say that there is no result because it is all in our own minds. Results are measured by the level of your own expectation on what you need to improve on. Being a fitness coach for over two decades, I will outline a personal exercise as an example of this. I have come across many clients who generalise the statement of “no result”. They constantly question themselves and ask why they don’t see any improvement. Your stamina, muscle, breathing, movements, techniques, joints, bones and psychological effects have “no results” at all? Impossible. You will gradually see improvements and enjoy the fruits of your labour. It is important to be realistic when setting your goals. You can’t expect your body to be like a fitness model’s body after one single session of training. Do not put yourself in a position on how good you must be, nor try to master perfection. Appreciate every moment because the journey is what counts.
Fear not
Many times when trying new things, we find it more convenient to wait until we are ready or no longer afraid. But if we did, we’d probably accomplish very little, waste a lot of time on others, or even on ourselves. All in all, if you’re currently jobless with no income or financial aid, what have you got to lose?
The key to living with peace, free from guilt, fear, worry and distress, is simple. You have to put your trust in the right place, (for me it is in God, what about you?) and just do it.
When this is over, you’ll uncover the whole new essence of the 8Es.
You start with Enthusiasm because you made an Effort to gain Exposure. Through Encounters and Endurance, you gain Experience. Overtime, you achieve Empirical Evidence. These would not be possible if you don’t try at all in the beginning.
Discard your thoughts of delaying tactics, the waiting game and postponing actions.
This is definitely the most appropriate prayer scripture in this Covid-19 situation:
3 John 2 New King James Version
‘ Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers’