Mindset, Management, and Motherhood As We Navigate Covid-19

Raise your hand if you’ve led a team meeting from your closet this week. How about rocked a sleeping toddler while on a conference call?

We are living in unprecedented times rife with challenges we couldn’t have imagined even a few weeks ago. Each of us is concerned with the health of our loved ones and those around the world. We’re trying to discern how to keep our families, businesses, and society afloat; Often in the same moment. 

Our interconnectedness has never been more apparent than it is today. It’s time to rise up and inspire each other; To lead by example, share our best practices and uplift our communities. We are all in this together. These are the insights I’ve learned so far about adapting to our new normal. What are yours? Share them in the comments and we can crowdsource a list to help us navigate these times. 

Be present 

Presence requires intention and can feel particularly challenging as we face the most significant crisis of our lives. This may not be an easy reality but it is our reality. Our only choice is to respond to the moment. 

What can you control right now? Make a list for today and focus on completing each task. 

I rely on exercise and gratitude to help me stay present. My morning runs clear my head and gratefulness, especially for the heroes on the frontlines, grounds me daily. 

Ask the right questions  

As leaders, we’re responsible for crafting the vision for our businesses. Right now, we need to shift our attention to the question that matters most: How am I going to keep my company alive? 

Each of our plans dramatically changed over the last two weeks. What do you need to do to make it out of this? Be laser-focused on your must do’s and trim the nice to have’s. 

We are all facing similar questions and need to come together to share our obstacles and resources. I had six calls with founders this week to ideate how we can cross-promote our brands and survive these circumstances. These questions are daunting and emotionally draining. You don’t have to answer them alone.  

Create for the future

Uncertainty is the undercurrent of our reality; With so much influx, it feels difficult to look ahead. We have to if we want to come out of this stronger. 

What is one project you can be excited about personally or professionally? Take the first step to set it into motion. 

This is our new normal, at least for now. We have to adopt an optimistic mindset so we can plan for an inspiring future. We need to lead by example for our families, teams, and communities. 

Consume and contribute  

“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” This Coretta Scott King quote reflects how impactful our individual actions are in the world today. 

We all have unique contributions to make; Whether it’s donating to your local food bank, supporting at-risk populations or offering your company’s services to help fight the pandemic. 

The small businesses that fuel our economy are enduring dire realities; Continuing to shop at your favorite companies gives them a shot to emerge from this. 

Lean into your community 

Our friends lift our spirits and connection is essential during this uncertain time. I am part of a WhatsApp group with 10 mothers and having a safe space to ask - Is this happening to you? - is a game-changer. I rely on our conversations for daily doses of wisdom and levity; From How are you homeschooling? to three weeks until everyone knows our real hair color! Receiving their messages throughout the day offers a sense of normalcy and comfort. Consider creating a small group chat with your friends or FaceTiming one tonight. They’ll help you approach your day feeling even a little bit lighter. 

Do your best 

My kids are on spring break and the question my husband and I keep asking is: How are we going to homeschool, entertain, take care of them and work...all at the same time?

As parents, we generally focus on spending quality time with our children. Now, we have a heightened responsibility of protecting their health, educating them, and maintaining our jobs. It can feel particularly challenging when they don’t understand that you’re working and want to be with you constantly. I’m not operating at 100% in any of my roles. I may be physically present but I’m not totally there. This is really hard. 

No one has it all together, not ever and especially not now. We are all under so much pressure; Don’t put unnecessary stress on yourself because you didn’t design a color-coordinated class schedule (But do send a template if you have one, please…) 

There is no definitive approach to move through this period. It changes by the hour, at least it does at our house. In rare moments, my kids miraculously play together while I’m on a call. During others, I hide in the bathroom making some of the toughest decisions I’ve faced as a founder. 

We may not have much certainty right now, but we can always count on each other. We will make it through this together. 

What are your best tips for navigating our new normal? Let us know in the comments and tag your friends so they can share theirs too.