In Crisis Again: The 4 Cs of Coping

Once again, many states and counties are seeing a spike in the number of new COVID cases and hospitalizations. Orange County Mayor declared a couple of days ago: “We are now in crisis mode.”

Trying to make sense of conflicting health information can be stressful. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends mask-wearing indoors even for vaccinated people whereas The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines are that vaccinated people needn’t wear masks in most settings. And so, it goes back to each individual’s comfort level with certain level of risk. As you think through your risk response strategy, remember the 4 Cs of resilience: Connection, Compassion, Contentment, and Commitment.

1. Emotional Connection

In difficult times, we are called upon to step into the emotional realm and connect with others. Yet, the biggest challenge of COVID was that it has completely changed most everyone’s social interactions altering the way we work, workout, and play. On the other hand, it seems to have brough family and friends closer together. The ways we interact and communicate may change, but at the core we are inherently social and rely on our connections, feeling a part of a community, to survive and thrive.

What is your crisis response strategy to fulfil the need for social and emotional connection?

2. Compassion

A crisis brings the best, and the worst in us. One of the worst ways of reacting is speaking out with blame, intolerance, and hostility. A more productive method of coping is to respond with care and compassion. Cultivating compassion for ourselves and others in times of emergency is an important factor in reducing pain and suffering and maximizing resilience. Relationships are like a garden. When we “water the flowers” of kindness and compassion in each other we can maintain a healthy and strong ecosystem.

What is your crisis response strategy to act with compassion?

3. Contentment

We all struggle with difficult days. But even in times of crisis we have many reasons to be content. Contentment isn’t seasonal, nor does it depend on circumstances. It is a mindset of appreciating and being thankful for the unique gifts of the present time and expressing gratitude for the things we have right now. It’s impossible to be negative and grateful at the same time. So, shift your attention to being appreciative and thankful focusing on the things that matter most – the things that are not things, people and relationships.

What is your crisis response strategy to cultivate contentment?

4. Commitment

Commitment to action is the fundamental key to overcoming setbacks and to thrive in moments of crisis. Obstacles are an invitation to re-assess and get clear on what you want and the action steps to take you there. Commitment requires reflection and refinement. Reflection is the ability to candidly assess how things are going and whether our actions are in alignment with our goals. Refinement is the ability to proactively manage our behavior choices. Thus, commitment is never static. It is an ongoing decision-making process to determine how to invest our time, energy, and efforts in handling whatever life throws our way.

What is your crisis response strategy to take control and commit to action?

There are times when it feels like life is getting out of control. It is futile to try and control the uncontrollable. There is no way of eliminating all of the uncertainty. However, we shouldn’t just lie down and let the world roll over us. Don’t wait for the crisis to resolve itself. Assess the possibilities within your control and take whatever actions you can to make things better. And be patient. A crisis typically has its own timetable. Ride the wave of uncertainty applying success strategies to maximize your resilience resources to bounce back and come out the other side, hopefully stronger and ultimately better for it.