Thriving during Uncertain Times

Thriving? I know that sounds immature or naive or lacking in deep understanding of the world right now during Covid-19, but in truth even during a pandemic we can thrive.  Emotionally, spiritually, physically we can thrive, but now also trusting that even the current situation can ultimately be good for our growth and development.

While we are suffering perhaps in not being in physical proximity to those who we love, having health issues or fearful of our financial future, there are many wonderful things coming out of this pandemic, which we may never have paid attention to otherwise. 

1. Re-prioritizing what is truly important - family time. Time spent speaking to and being creative in how we keep in touch with family and friends is critical. Whether you are at home with your family and enjoying cooking, playing games, cleaning the house or getting creative together or you are creatively finding ways to keep in touch with family and friends use this time to go deeper in your relationships. Spend time really getting to know what is in the hearts and minds of your children or spouse, dig deeper in yourself and find creative projects to do with one another, but mostly show each other how much you love each other. Relationships are primary and in this time of forced togetherness use it wisely.
2. Spiritual growth - I have been spending a lot more time being mindful these days. Whether it is meditating myself, creating mindfulness practices for others, or leading mindfulness programming this is a time to go deeper in our internal world and bring some peace to ourselves. If you have a practice, go back into it and become disciplined about making it an integral part of your day. If you are new to it, find an app or an online group to guide you through it like Mindful Leader and begin to learn how to bring this practice into your life. There are so many benefits like stress reduction, increased productivity, enhanced well-being which are all needed right now.
3. Creativity - While we are all at home I know my creativity is itching to come out. I used to Ballroom Dance pre-Covid and I don't know when I will be able to get back to that, but now I am leaning into writing, painting, gardening, and cooking. All of these things are helping me to unlearn my need for control and allowing me to see the deep wisdom in the windy path. For sometimes the windy path can get you to where you needed to go much more confidently than if you charged ahead in one particular way. This can be the case in your leadership journey as well. Brainstorm new possibilities, let the creative juices fly. For how we get out of this Covid situation health wise and business wise will require a lot of creativity.
4. Financial responsibility - while some of you are in stable jobs even during this crisis, others are being deeply impacted by the financial crisis of this. Learn to tighten up your belts. What things can you eliminate from your budget. What areas do you need to tighten? Where do you need to spend to invest in your future or growth right now? Where can you get help if you need it? Listen to financial experts and learn what you need to do right now to make your financial future thrive.

There are ways to come out of this situation better off than you left it. I know there is a lot of destruction, pain, health suffering, and financial concerns, but focus on what you can control. Get creative about how you do and invest this time wisely in developing yourself, your families, and strengthening your relationships.