Re-framing Covid19

We live in a Covid world. C.O.V.I.D: Confusing, Oppressive, Volatile, Irritating, Disruptive. 

This novel coronavirus has created a shift in our world that we didn’t expect and were not prepared for. This can lead to unproductive and even destructive negative thinking. It is important, therefore, to draw upon our inner reserves, our inner strengths and shift to a positive mind-set. A positive mind-set is not about being blindly optimistic, much less about being naively fatalistic. It is about knowing, acknowledging and facing reality with determination and confidence.

Positive psychology teaches us to re-frame our conceptualisation of a situation when faced with challenges to our physical, social and mental well-being. So, with a nod of acknowledgement to my friend Clive Leach (@CliveLeachCoach), the great Martin Seligman and to VUCA, here’s my humble attempt at re-framing Covid19.

Part 1: C = Confusing

All real change involves unfamiliarity and uncertainty, as we work to make sense of the change. Many times, change is welcomed and the challenge of making sense of it is enjoyed. When unravelling the operation of a new app, cooking a new recipe, meeting a new person and getting to know them, trying a new tennis stroke, learning a new language; all these changes, for the most part, are enjoyable. Negative change, however, can be experienced as confusion. With the spread of Covid-19, our familiar world becomes unfamiliar in most unwelcome ways. This confuses us. We don’t know how to respond, how to act, and often, when we work it out, change happens again. We are playing catch-up and this undermines our sense of confidence and agency.

Our expectations for the future have been challenged. Finances, health, work and school routines, we have taken for granted, but these have changed quite suddenly and themselves are now confused. There is little certainty. Confusion arises from simply not knowing.

So, can we re-frame this lack of knowledge and this confusion, and instead cultivate curiosity? Can we work on what we do know and what we can know? Can we ask questions?

What habits can I change now to ensure my future health and well-being, and that of my family, my friends and all humans? What can I work on in myself to develop my mental resilience? Can I help others develop theirs? Can I get better and more discerning at separating fact from fakery and speculation in the news? What can I find out about the virus and how it works? How is the economy being affected and what can I learn? What progress are scientists making and which countries are managing to tackle the crisis best and how?

We rely on the curiosity of scientists, their creativity and their ability to collaborate across borders. Their commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and seeking solutions is inspiring and can generate hope.

Covid can be confusing. So let’s work on turning confusion into curiosity.