Can the Glass be Both…Half Full and Half Empty?

One of the unexpected benefits of COVID is that my former colleagues and I have a “Zoom” lunch once a week. Have you found yourself doing something like this? Some of us still work in healthcare, some of us work in other industries now, and yet others like me work for ourselves. No matter our circumstance, we have all agreed making the hour to check in with each other is a non-negotiable and essential part of our month. How did we ever go so long between seeing each other before, we all wonder?

Not being able to physically get together drove our new connection habit, however it’s sustained itself because we can support each other to navigate these constantly challenging waters. And there’s zero judgement however we show up; resourceful and positive, negative and surly, sarcastic and snarky, joyful and excited. We just show up.

It blows our mind that not one of us are working the same “job” as we were three months ago. 

I get that you can relate. This is why we need people that we can talk about anything without fear of judgment and with people who “get us”. Who is your person or people you connect with regularly? Who keeps you grounded?

We talk about everything. How our kids are doing. How our businesses are surviving and shifting. How our organizations are fairing. How our communities are managing.

And by hanging out with each other, not only do we feel more connected and less alone, there are these juicy moments of insight that only happen when you hang out with people who elevate you.

For example, Janice, the lead of OD for a national healthcare organization said: Life is full of moments. Moments where it can be both good and not so good. She shared about how when she was losing her mom, she can distinctly remember holding her mother’s hand on her deathbed, feeling so overwhelmed with sadness, yet looking outside the window, and being in awe of the beauty of the gorgeous sunset.

Taking a “Both/And” Approach

We often think of our world in a binary way. I am either happy or sad. I’m either coping or resilient. I’m either “doing okay” or “not doing well”. What if we embraced Janice’s insights? What if we could have moments of “both/and”.

Is it that the glass half full or glass half empty? Could it be that the glass half full and half empty?

• I like working from home and I miss being with my clients
• I like spending time with my kids and I am annoyed when they fight
• I like having a slower pace and I miss going out with friends
• I like my new routine of taking long walks and I miss my dance classes

A Solution Focused Approach to Resiliency

Solution focused practitioners encourage us all to remember that life and work are full of the “both/and” rather than the “but/or”.

Want more on this solution focused perspective in challenging times? Check out some of our most liked posts; think of it as a solution focused buffet to fill your cup how you need it to be filled today.

1. Even in the midst of an obstacle, roadblock, or outright failure, you have options: you can deflate, mitigate and elevate from it; all the options are available to you and you may fluidly move between them, which is not only okay, it’s human. Read more here.
2. In the quest to gain control in a seemingly out of control external situation, we can sometimes over extend our energy; there is a need to shift and be agile and a need to be calm and grounded. If you’re finding you’re struggling to maintain a healthy equilibrium, you may find these tips helpful.
3. Your role, job or business likely has shifted in ways you never could have imagined. There is both excitement in novelty and strain through adjustment. If you are seeking to understand yourself better and find meaning in this challenging time, this article may help.
4. With so much intensity in the world today – riots, pandemic, violence – you may find yourself wondering, should I step up or hang back? Maybe it’s not one or the other; maybe you can find your voice in a way that makes sense for you. Learn some hacks here to confidently show up how you need to right now.
5. We are learning so much about ourselves, the world, our families in challenging times like these. What will you pass onto your kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews from what you learned about this time? And what have you learned already that would help? Here is a powerful reflection exercise to stay in your own wisdom right now and let it inform your insights you’re gaining now. 

Who do you think might benefit from this post?

Will you share it with them?

And remind them of the greatness you see in them.

Sarah McVanel is a recognition expert, sharing her knowledge and client stories through professional speaking, coaching, training and her co-authored books “Forever Recognize Others’ Greatness?: Solution Focused Strategies for Satisfied Staff, High Performing Teams and Healthy Bottom Lines” and “The FROG? Effect Workbook: Tools and Strategies to Forever Recognize Others’ Greatness” as well as her recently published, “Flipside of Failing”. Visit her at Greatness Magnified or on eSpeakers. Want more greatness every week? Subscribe to our YouTube channel , our Daily Alexa Flash Briefing for Greatness Biz tips, or Daily Tips to Forever Recognize Others’ Greatness and our blog.