Reflection: The Key in Navigating the "New Now"

We are at the halfway mark of the year, and we can all agree that the events that happened during the past 6 months were inconceivable pre-2020. The COVID- 19 situation continues to have devastating effects on the lives and the livelihoods of many, creating dramatic shifts in geopolitical and economic policies all around the world. The on-going racial justice movements seek to challenge ideologies which have been deep-seated in the many societies, pushing previously bystanders to take a bold stand. The road that lies ahead is far from certain as the circumstances are changing every day, creating a "new now" of heightened anxiety . From influential groups like governments, businesses, societies down to the individual level of being a parent, a child and a sibling, there are fundamental changes in the way we live, work and interact as a community. 

Indeed, these are stressful times. With so many pressing issues vying for our attention, it is important for us to take a step back and reflect on simple yet critical questions.  

Understanding our emotions: How am I feeling? 

Emotions are often the first thing that strike us, and there is a tendency for them to overtake rational thinking, especially when it comes to matters close to our hearts. They are often instinctive and if we are not careful, they may cause knee-jerk reactions. It is crucial that we first acknowledge our emotions. "Yes, I feel anxious." "I am fearful of what lies ahead." "I am frustrated and impatient with all the restrictions". The next step is to dive deeper in order to understand these feelings by asking questions like: "Why are we feeling stressed?" "What is holding us back from being happy and feeling content?" "What triggers our anger and depression?" Acknowledging and understanding our emotions is the fundamental foundation in managing the situation.

Acquiring knowledge: What do I know or not know?

The next step is to gather facts in order to come up with a point of view. In this day and age, with a click of a button, it is easy to find content and formulate an opinion base on one source. However, with the proliferation of fake news and agenda-driven advertisements, it is important not to accept a data point as the single source of truth. It is critical that we speak to trusted advisors and ask clarifying questions to understand the meaning behind a particular statement or comment. "Read between the tea leaves", and observe body language to gather extra information which can be often neglected. Most importantly, listen with curiosity and the intent to understand. Only then, we are able to get the essence of the situation. 

Internalizing the information: What do I think?

This is the bridge between emotions and knowledge, and often separates the individuals who surge ahead from the ones who are stuck in the rut. Many people skip this step, pass judgement right away which can be inherently biased, and jump straight into action. Internalizing gives us the opportunity to :

1. Calm down and view the situation objectively.
2. Connect the dots, weed out the outliers, and pick up themes and trends which otherwise might be overlooked.
3. Prioritize what is important and what is urgent. 
4. Focus on the things we can control, and leave behind the things we can't.
5. Explore new frontiers and breed creativity to conjure up the 'aha' moments.

Taking action : What should I do?

Again, many of us get stuck at the reflection stage, and take no action to address the issues. It could be a case of analysis paralysis or a state of fear that prevents us from making the next move. Taking action, even if it is a small step, can often provide the needed clarity on whether we should stay the course or pivot to another direction. Having said that, action does not have to be immediate. Waiting for the right time is also a form of action, as long as it is done thoughtfully and purposefully.

As Stephen Convey said: Begin with the end in mind. Having a goal is the cornerstone of crafting an effective plan. Once we have decided on our goals and our course of action, channeling our time and energy to stay on track requires discipline and conviction. There will be bumps along the way and unforeseen circumstances that hit us, but they should not derail us. Remember: What you focus on, amplifies.

Making adjustments: What should I change?

We are creatures of habits. Making changes in both thought and deed can be extremely uncomfortable. In order to create sustainable behavioral change, the first step is to change our mindsets or beliefs. There is a marked difference between accepting status quo (i.e. having a fixed mindset) and believing that you can be better (i.e. having a growth mindset). Having a growth mindset cuts through the clutter, and helps us exceed our preconceived limitations. As seen during the last three months, many organizations have been able to accelerate their digital roll-outs to great effect despite the many restrictions.

As they say, the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry. In sports, we witness how coaches are able to make tactical changes which ultimately result in a favorable turnaround. This is achieved by analyzing the situation carefully, studying the opponents intently, recognizing the conditions of the players, and combining them with strategic thinking and tactical acumen.

Considering the pace of change in the 'new now' and the relentless demands of professional and personal commitments, setting time to reflect can be a challenge. However, it is an integral step as we continue to navigate uncharted waters in the coming months, and emerge stronger as a community.

Note: The views presented herein are those of the author only and do not necessarily represent any affiliations.