Let's get grounded in reality.
Briar Dougherty
?? Helping Job Seekers Land Offers Fast, Expert Resume Writer, LinkedIn Profile Writer, Interview Coach, Exec Coach, Outplacement Provider and More! ?? Visit careerorganic.com for more info
Quick reality check for everyone reading the latest online posts.
I've been seeing a ton of threads on...
"You should be using this time to not make excuses"
"Push yourself to do the next big thing"
"Embrace the happiness in the flower you see outside, etc."
For those of you out there that have been a coaching client of mine, you'll know I have a line I use ALL THE TIME.
"I'm grounded firmly in reality."
So I'm here to say - everyone out there, live YOUR reality, not the one someone on LinkedIn or Facebook is painting for you.
Work through the moments of chaos to the best you can. Understand we are a community and we can band together to lift each other up, but let's take off the pressure and guise of being fully put together and know that some people out there are experiencing more than just COVID-19 isolation or WFH stresses.
A rundown of my day so far - which I can say has been quite pleasant in regard to the world, but still I:
- Stepped on a wasp and it stung the bottom of my foot
- Had my little sister send me a picture of her in a full face mask working at a hospital treating patients with the coronavirus
- Found out that a dear family friend is in hospice care after 9 years of fighting breast cancer - and struck with the realization that her family won't be able to have a funeral for her
And that was just before noon.
Use the time wisely if you are granted the freedom of having moments to yourself, but whatever you do, take off the cloak of pressure or guilt you may experience as you peruse social channels. Live each day to the best of your ability, and add value not pressure to those who need a boost.
I'm not saying that the posts trying to encourage those to embrace the new found time to grow themselves are all bad or ill-intentioned, but the tactic of pushing an agenda is not ideal for those truly struggling. For those out there barely making ends meet, struggling to get work done while occupying or homeschooling their children, or being or having a front line worker or someone who is still actively working outside their home and coming and going each day, life is not quite as simple. There are a lot more variables that occupy their time, their thoughts, and their energy. Let's lift everyone up by just listening, by sharing anecdotes on what is working for you individually that may work for others, but not assume it is the perfect solution or use of time for everyone - because frankly - it may not be, let's not spout it like it's a magic pill.
Additionally - maybe it's time to be a bit more sincere and genuine? A good rule of thumb is to avoid language that insinuates laziness on behalf of those who have found themselves at home during this pandemic, let's not categorize them or add any extra burden to their plates. I'm sure all of us would love to write our book, start a new venture, spend more time on self-love, but now is not going to be the time everyone gets to do it. My gut tells me that the people out there that can't begin to think about this 'extra time' as a bonus to life are in need of support simply by offering some much-needed authenticity and an extra dose of humanity.
End Rant~
Sincerely - Briar
Architect of Growth & Scale | Master of Business Strategy, Operations & Revenue Development | The COO Who Gets S*** Done
1 周This is such an important reminder, Briar. The pressure to ‘make the most’ of challenging times can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when circumstances vary so much for everyone. Productivity looks different for each person, and sometimes just getting through the day is enough. Thank you for sharing this perspective—it’s a much-needed voice of balance and empathy in the conversation! ??????
I help marketing leaders walk their talk (meet business goals and strengthen customer relationships with better creative content) I make observations about the working world. Those opinions are my own.
4 年Thank you so much for speaking up, Briar Dougherty ?? ?? ?? I've reached my limit of posts that range from lecturing about how we need to use “so much time” to complaining of boredom, to promoting the idea that this should somehow lead to life-changing transformation. Meanwhile, I'm trying to run a new business, find enough clients, and still help my family recover from my layoff 15 months ago. All while figuring out how to help transition one high school and one college student, and avoid thinking about what will happen to my family if the virus takes me out. Most days, I'm just trying to make it to tomorrow.
Managing Director of Marketing at Jencap I Host of Flip the Cap
4 年A little louder for the people in the back! Love you<3
Proud Father of Four Boys, Adventure Seeker & Travel Enthusiast, Full Time Trader/ Investor
4 年Glad I had the extra time to read this. Thanks for sharing, Briar.