Pandemic Positive?

I am SICK of the pandemic.

There. I said it. Believe me, if we could turn back time and make this whole global disaster go away, I’d be in.

But we can’t.

So…instead of wishing more time away, let’s live the life we’re in. Let’s use the weirdness to our advantage.

Think about it. The pandemic is the “perfect” excuse to stop doing things that you don’t need to be doing. You know, things we do personally and professionally on automatic pilot that fill time but don’t help us achieve our goal(s).

“We’ve always done it that way”. – POOF! Not anymore!

Darn you, pandemic! I can’t (insert whatever completes this thought for you).

Yes, we can be productive at home in many jobs.

No, we don’t need to get on a plane for every 45 minute meeting.

Yes, we need to rethink the budget and ensure our activities ladder up to the mission and vision.

Yes, “all” the activities we used to do mattered at some level. At the same time, just because we did them or they existed doesn’t mean they need to continue. Think of it like this: we don’t do exactly the same things as we did when we were ten (at least I hope not).

Things sometimes run their course. This does not negate their (previous) importance. These things that are – or are becoming – obsolete were a pathway to good/better things.

This is true even if there isn’t a pandemic, by the way.

So…what to do? Gosh, there are loads of options. Here are a few ideas that come to mind (some are easier than others and this is not a complete list, nor is it a checklist that needs to be tackled by everyone):

Change your look.

Change your job.

Change your eating patterns.

Change your activity level.

Change your sleeping schedule.

Change your daily routine.

Learn to cook.

Rearrange your furniture.

Move.

Don’t move.

Appreciate what you have.

Work out a plan to get what you want.

Ask for help if you don’t know how to do something or where to start.

Build your network of true experts.

Don’t rely on the loudest voice for information that impacts your health and success. Unless, of course, the loudest voice is actually also an expert.

Don’t put up with bad behavior.

Don’t be the one with the bad behavior.

Say thank you.

Be kind. Many people have suffered incredible loss. Many people are working incredibly hard to do their part in making things better for others.

Wash your hands. Wear a mask. Practice social distancing. Get vaccinated. Do things that can help us keep ourselves – and each other – safer than if we don’t do them.

Remember – you’ve got the “perfect” excuse to do things differently. Let’s use that to our advantage.

What’s your first pandemic positive pivot in 2022?