6 Simple Ways to Cope-COVID & Beyond

Covid-19. It seems we blinked and within an instant the simplest things that brought us joy were gone. Even our work life has changed, evolved from a steady stream of telecommuting and building a digital presence to a white water rapid assault of endless Zoom meetings with the precision of one tumbling headfirst over a bustling waterfall in a barrel. 

It seems we mastered this a bit, then the next wave hits up square in the face.

Reminder: Life has always been messy. Gratefully, we are living in the thick of it, we all know this. The literal mess scenario, “I wore a white shirt and not only did it rain, but I spilled my coffee all over” day to the devastating loss of loved ones, and everything in between. It’s a glorious, difficult, fabulous mess. As a human, I wear many hats - business person, entrepreneur, wife, mom, friend. What I love most about all of these is that I’ve become really great at problem-solving. Over the years I have acquired a particular skill set that affords me the ability to do so. As far as messy, navigating life in this current COVID-19 world, this isn’t my first crisis rodeo. first pandemic -? Yes, but it’s just another bull to ride and trust me when I say, I've ridden a few tempestuous bulls in my day. Thankfully, I've not been trampled just yet. Sure, I’ve felt like crap after. Still, I picked myself up, I dusted myself off, and got on with it… maybe with a sore rib or two, and a significant limp at times. Did I take the time to lick my wounds and have a pout? You betcha. Right now, do I feel like I am spiraling at times? Absolutely. Some days are definitely better than others. The severity of our wounds, how we heal, and how we cope? It’s different for everyone, regardless of circumstance.

In keeping with my Keep it Simple Philosophy here goes 6 Simple Things, to cope, 2020 style and beyond that will help you heal, cope, and get on the other end of it

#1 Shift your thinking-Your vision for yourself, your loved ones, and your futures must not be limited to your current circumstances. To move forward, to grow, you must envision a future beyond this moment in time. A shift in thinking maybe in order to reach those goals. Louise Hays’ genius use of using the words “could” vs. “should” comes in handy here. “I should be solving the world’s problems right now.” Shifts into “I could be solving the world’s problems right now.” shapes this gargantuanly burdensome task into one of a conscious choice rather than an overwhelming impossibility. “I choose to rest as it will make me a better person.” choose to focus on what I can do to make us all stronger. 

#2 Access Your Strengths- We often focus on the 4 things we don't have instead of the 6 we do, it blinds us to many of the things we need to strive and thrive. I am strong, I am healthy, I am supported. I have acquired some pretty nifty skills over the years, I know I can put them to good use. I know I am resilient, not above a tantrum now & again (hey now, evolution takes time), but as I said I have survived 100% of the crap that has been thrown at me, so have you. 

#3 Use your network REACH OUT! When I said I was supported, I meant it. I am sure like me you have a network. This IS hands down is one of the best ways to support your journey. Many people leave this to chance, it can be a costly mistake. How can you serve them, how can you help each other? What value can you provide and remember to reframe your should/could here...These are the people that know you best, all your strengths, and sometimes vulnerabilities (this can be a plus too) some cheering and real talk can be most helpful in a crisis. 

#4 Identify your Opportunities-Shifting your thinking, gathering your strengths, reaching out to your network, ALL this will create more ideas & opportunities, many of which may already have been there, you just did not need to see them yet. Seriously brainstorm a list of people, then gather their ideas, compare them to your strengths, see what fits! 

#5 Access your vulnerabilities-Reduce your risks-Okay this is strictly a business thing, or is it? Many businesses immediately set about putting 80% of their effort into 20% of their best revenue streams for greater efficiency. Perhaps you can do this in some aspects of your own life. Just how important is EVERY SINGLE item on your to-do list? You may need to conserve energy here, the 80/20 rule is important. For people reducing your risk may be as simple as eliminating an energy drain. A few years ago, I sold my house to reduce my financial risks and put my energy into more travel. Yes, there was a reluctance (okay, tantrum) involved in the beginning. This definitely was not how I had envisioned my future. Looking back, I wish I had done it sooner! It isn't the answer for everyone, but just a reminder that a mindset shift may be needed. 

#6 Stay grounded-Yup, many of us are in the thick of it. Change is HARD, and the harsh reality is life as we know it may NEVER return as it was. However, having taken a REAL look at all of these things that could be out there gives a better sense of how we can all move forward despite having to navigate the overwhelming obstacles and mental challenges. 

As always Stick with your why-(Thanks to Simon Sinek) WHY DO YOU DO WHAT YOU DO? For me, I like helping people. That may look different for everyone, but for me, I have spent the last 12 years empowering people to blossom and grow into their best selves, physically. I started running my core principles, keeping it simple, consistent, through this filter of shifting my focus, accessing my strengths, etc and it hit me, I may just have to pour 80 % of my efforts into 20% of what I know about business and assist others in another way, and in addition, when I turned all these points onto my current life, things seemed A LOT less hopeless and overwhelming. 

Like all great things they can be simple, require gentle consistent effort and they can be interconnected, and come back full circle to support each other, we can too. This is my 2 cents on how to navigate this rotating circle of life, business, and problem-solving, in this time and beyond. These are tips I have picked up along the way. I share them in hopes they will provide some guidance.

I hope for the best for ALL of you, would love for you to share your thoughts on this.

AS always #Keepitsimple #covidpivot #pandemicpositivity

Cheers to your Best Self, 

Sharon