What Will Be Your Quarantine Story?

I'd like to preface this article by saying that I am aware of the fatalities and all of the tragedy that COVID has brought to many people and families. I pray for them every day and hope that their family and friends are safe. I am in no way diminishing their pain and anguish. I hope that they are comforted, loved, and can find peace in their lives.

As I was having a conversation this week with a friend I realized that COVID-19 has disrupted the "script of life" for almost every single person. Their work life is no longer protected from unwanted distractions, their relationships in life are being tested, every hour of every day their family life goes from survival to creating lasting memories, and their mindset is scattered, wounded, and exhausted. I learned a long time ago that you can post whatever you want to convince yourself that you are strong through times like these, but is it a reality. I see your posts, but I think many of us haven't taken the time to really become aware of how we are carrying everything going on in our lives.

Defining Moments are created when life is no longer following your script. We can either define the moment or the moment will define us. I love stories, listening to great stories, asking to hear the story, and telling stories. What will be your story from this period of Quarantine? Have you taken a minute to think about that every day you are writing your life story? I want to give you 3 tactics that I perceive the world and moments like these that might shift your perspective.

Micro Decisions have Macro Outcomes

I try to be present in the micro but always be thinking about how will this moment affect the story that I am going to tell in 1 year, 3 years, or 5 years. I don't lose focus on the micro-decisions that I am forced to make or need to make, but I try to think about if this micro decision will have a macro outcome. If it doesn't then make the decision for the moment, but if it could then think about the repercussions. Lastly, macro outcomes typically come from a series of micro decisions. I'll use the metaphor of working out, eating healthy, or practicing a skill....if you make the right micro decision 85%+ then you eventually have a great macro outcome.

Outside The Noise

I have to be honest and say that in this current climate of our world this might be the most important tactic. There is so much noise in the world about COVID-19, our government, the stock market, or shortage in toilet paper. Why do people take the time to listen to all of it? I try my best to get outside of the noise, but the only way to do this is if you're telling yourself the correct story, to begin with. For example, I try to tell myself during times like these, "Control the Controllables". All I can do is control what I can control, I can prepare to be agile if things sideways but in reality, I don't fully control if my company has to lay me off. I would encourage you to take the following steps: 1. start telling yourself a story that can be effective for your life 2. Get Outside of the Noise that doesn't encourage that story 3. Control What You Can Control and stay agile.

Intentionally Create The Environment

Personally, this has been the most difficult for me to do, but I have tried to designate places in my home or porch or garage for specific actions. There is a reason that we don't see very many sad people at an all-inclusive resort, its because it is designated for relaxation. You typically see people smiling when they are getting ice cream because it is designated for that. My point is to create an environment that you need. Don't make your office the place you work and rest. Designate the places in your life for the environment that you need. If you need the media room to be the place where you spend time with your family then leave the cell phone and laptop elsewhere. Even if it is a piece of furniture that activates the action that you need to take.

In 5 Years What Will Your Story Be?

I am hopeful that I will tell my son in 5 years that we built legos for the first time together. I will look at my wife and tell her how proud I am of your devotion to the healthcare field as a front line soldier. I will have utilized this time effectively. What I don't want my story to be is that I lacked urgency, was lazy, squandered this valuable time with family, panicked, and forgot to look for opportunities. I DON'T WANT TO BE ASHAMED OR HAVE TO LIE WHEN I TELL MY QUARANTINE STORY.