How to fuel up your superpowers.

I was made redundant last week. 

I may be one of the first. I know I won’t be the last. 

Another outfall of COVID-19.

I wasn't the only one in the small organisation and, as an innately curious individual, I was interested to see how different people reacted, once the initial shock wore off. What I saw was that their mindset shifted to a more positive outlook when they started to ignite their strengths.

Here is how I have used some of mine:

Gratitude:

For the last nine months I have enjoyed a most amazing job. I learnt something new and worthwhile every day - from tech skills, to research findings to being a better writer. 

I have had the pleasure of working with such smart people. 

I have enjoyed (as always) inspiring and encouraging clients. 

I have opened my eyes to new opportunities and am better placed to face the new world when it emerges.

Growth: 

This is a time of growth for all of us, learning how do things in new ways. For me it is a time to read those promising books that have been sitting on my desk. I'm eagerly anticipating the gems inside of them! What a luxury!

Bounceback:

In recent years I have bounced back from the end of my marriage and a health issue. I know I will do the same again. It makes me more determined to succeed and a setback becomes a springboard to achieving more in the times ahead. I'm already percolating some fresh ideas for tomorrow.

Connector:

I love to connect with people and connect people with other people. Now is a good time to use that device that is always within reach to talk to people again, to hear their voices and share stories and laughter. I'm loving that!

If you want to fuel up your own superpowers, here are three things you can do:

1) Rely on your strengths day-to-day to give you some sense of satisfaction and achievement when we don't know what the coming day will bring. Using your strengths will be satisfying.

2) Think about how you can use your strengths to help you forge a way ahead when the new normal emerges. Put them to a force for good in the world.

3) Focus on one strength you are particularly keen to use more of and deliberately practice using it today to help you achieve something different. Now is a good time to experiment and learn!

If you have never consciously thought about your Strengths before, now might be just the right moment to embrace them.