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Now’s the time to rise up and be courageous

Yes, these are tough and unprecedented times. However, among all the gloom and uncertainty of Covid-19 lies the opportunity to turn this experience into something positive.

It’s not the first time humanity has faced a crisis—war, nuclear threat, financial crashes, other pandemics—and we have always, eventually, one way or another, prevailed. What’s amazing about us homo sapiens is our capacity for resilience and adaptability. It’s how we evolved to become the inventive and industrious species we are today.

Also, all you entrepreneurs and business leaders—where would you be today without resilience and a little fearlessness? Where would you be without the ability to withstand great pressure and hold yourself and your team together while others around you flounder? You certainly wouldn’t be the accomplished person you are today.

This is a test and a challenge—two things you’ve never shied away from, two things you’ve always revelled in and even sought out. You get few opportunities in life to show who you really are, and gain an understanding of what really matters—this is one of those opportunities.

Let’s have a look at some things to think about and hold onto during this time…

Photo by Fabrizio Conti on Unsplash

Things could be worse

No, really. If you’re healthy, able-bodied and have a roof over your head and food to eat (admittedly you might be short on toilet paper), you’re very lucky. You also live in a First World country which, despite fair or unfair criticism, has some good people in place who know what they’re doing, and an economy that can deal reasonably well with this. Those living in a Third World country face an already crippled health system, food shortages and have little to nothing in reserve for financial assistance to businesses. Be practical, realistic and responsible, of course, but also recognise where—and who—you are and be thankful for it.

Realise what’s important and what isn’t worth worrying about

Remember all the things that used to bother you? A train strike. A day at the beach spoiled by bad weather. An event you were looking forward to getting cancelled. Your favourite team losing at some major competition. Wouldn’t we all love to have those ‘problems’ now? Times like these put things into very sharp perspective. Once this is all over, try hard to remember how it felt when this virus was taking over the world—that thing you’re stressing about so much suddenly might not seem worth it.

Use this time to reconnect with others and improve yourself

Self-isolation and lockdown means a lot of us are going to be working at home for the next few weeks at least. Of course, we still have work to do but little breaks here and there present a great opportunity to spend quality time with our family that we wouldn’t have had before. Also, that book you were planning to read or that course you wanted to take but didn’t think you’d have the time? Now’s a fantastic chance to turn your newfound hermit status into an opening for learning and self-improvement.

Recognise the value of a support network

Photo by Hudson Hintze on Unsplash

Times like these can be inspirational. It’s a very, very rare occasion when almost every person, no matter colour, creed or financial status, is affected by something in the same way and on such a grand scale. Nobody can escape this virus. The consequences for some will be worse than for others, but we’re all still battling the same thing. And while that’s scary, it also brings us together and enhances our empathy. In business, this is a particularly good time to make use of a support network—Evolve’s peer groups are an excellent example of this. Use this time to get together with other like-minded people (you don’t have to physically meet of course—gather online) and talk openly about your concerns and also motivate and stir each other towards greater things. If you’re struggling with something, there could very well be someone within your network who has the solution. Getting through this together will make things a lot easier.

Finally, this is a chance to be courageous—use it

What’s happening right now is unprecedented in our lifetime. Nobody has seen anything like it before and no one is sure where it’s going or how it’s going to end. This is great cause for fear and panic in a lot of people. It’s also cause for others to step up and be the calm, rational voice heard loud and clear through the storm. You are in the somewhat enviable position of being forced to be brave. You’ve overcome a lot of challenges in your life and business (which now in hindsight were preparing you for this) and now is another of those times, and probably the most daunting. So gather all your wisdom, resilience and self-belief and lead, lead courageously.

  • As part of its ongoing support for the business community at this time, Evolve will soon be offering all members FREE remote 1-to-1 sessions with Evolve founder Warren Munson. Details to follow.
  • For more great content and access to peer groups, one-to-one coaching and exclusive events, sign up to Evolve for FREE.

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