Like so many people, my work dropped off at the beginning of the lock-down. I couldn’t visit clients, conduct in-person training or workshops, or speak at functions. One client filed for bankruptcy.
I lost two jobs in the last 5 years before committing to consulting work, so I am familiar with the feeling and reality of being unemployed. Its a crummy feeling, but doors always close…always. When those doors close, another opens…every time. Our goal is to position ourselves in front of the right door when it opens.
To do that, we need to start by viewing any setback including this lock-down as an opportunity to reassess, learn, and grow. Second, understand it is a journey. A journey through a forest…sometimes it gets really dark. Last, know that the journey will end and we all will come out on the other side…we always do.
Not knowing how long the lock-down would last, I created a 10-week pandemic plan. My plan was intended to run from April 1 to June 15. I actually created two plans: a personal and professional plan.
Here is my personal plan, why I chose each one, and my progress:
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Read 5 books – Reading is to your brain like yoga is to your body. It increases your vocabulary and knowledge, and the right book will take you on an adventure. I fell short here. I’m about to finish my third book, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain. The others; Fearless Leadership by Carey D. Lohrenz and Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer. Can you recommend a book?
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Run 12 miles per week. Daily exercise improves our heart and lung health which boosts our endurance. Plus, it just makes me feel better. I’m killing this one.
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Morning warm-up (with 45 push-ups) – The start of my day has changed. I have a routine I go through when I hop out of bed to help energize me. As an added goal, I set a target of 45 push-ups. I’m almost there.
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Saturday night TikTok with my daughters – It’s all about having some fun and laughing at yourself. It helps us cope with stress and improves our attitude. I look forward to this one the most. You can see how much fun I am having @patrickjkarol. I’m killing this one (my daughters might disagree.)
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Meditate 10 minutes every morning. The mental and physical benefits of meditation are numerous. It can give you a sense of being in control, of peace, and a sense of calm. I keep trying with this one, but I’m not there yet. Maybe someone can offer a suggestion or recommend a book.
I’m in better shape, learning, and having fun during a time it would be easy to sulk. I also created a professional 10-week plan that I am currently working on. I’ll share that one later.
We are slowly coming out of the lock-down, but it’s still a drag. Until we come completely out, I will continue to work my plan with some adjustments of course.
What are you doing to ensure you are front and center of the next door that opens? It’s a big door and there is always room for everyone.