Why You Don't Have To Develop Personally In Lockdown
James Eves
The Strengths Guy ???? | Leadership + Gallup? Certified Strengths Coach bringing out the very best in people and teams in organisations, education and professional sports
The beginning of lockdown felt almost like a New Year, New Me type of affair.
There were loads of posts online about all the great intentions people had, myself included, about all that we could do with “all this free time!”
The reality, now a good few weeks into lockdown, is far from the vision.
My guitar glances at me with sadness and an eye roll every evening after another day of not being played. There’s a pile of amazing books that I haven’t even opened. And there’s a good couple of bunches of bananas in the freezer awaiting their participation in becoming banana bread.
Perhaps this sounds familiar?
Just like when we are into a New Year, the energy, excitement, and commitment can quickly disappear.
And you know what? That’s totally fine.
Rather than beat ourselves up about this, it’s worth reminding ourselves as to what we are accomplishing every day.
Keeping a sense of normality at the moment is an achievement in itself. Even if it has been a challenge to get used to.
Getting up, managing to get out of our PJs (even if just to have a shower!), getting some work, jobs and exercise done, keeping the kids fed, entertained, educated and not too feral (to whatever extent is possible). Keeping a household that has a feel of routine and normality is exactly what we all need.
We all cope with lockdown and uncertainty in different ways and if you are managing things like this each day then consider yourself accomplished.
So, do be kind to yourself and don’t compare yourself to others. As, after all, comparison is the thief of joy!
It’s worth following the charity Action for Happiness. We volunteer for them to deliver courses and Happy Cafes and their daily messages are poignant reminders.
They launch a calendar each month and their “Meaningful May” action calendar was launched with a key quote from Arthur Ashe: “Start Where You Are. Use What You Have. Do What You Can.”
And that is a great place to be.
Nutrition & Wellbeing Specialist. I help busy people elevate nutrition, boost physical activity, improve sleep, and manage anxiety. Lets cultivate healthier habits for a better life everyday
4 年That sounds great James. Can’t remember what cafe and coffee chats look like haha
Nutrition & Wellbeing Specialist. I help busy people elevate nutrition, boost physical activity, improve sleep, and manage anxiety. Lets cultivate healthier habits for a better life everyday
4 年This totally resonated with me James So many of us set Kilimanjaro goals with free gym classes and online courses on top of adjusting to new ways of living and working. Six weeks into lockdown I am happy to take each day as it comes and be thankful for all happy memories created each day
Office Administrator/Customer Service Advisor | Mindfulness & Awareness Coach | Advocate for Change & Mental Health
4 年Yes its a time where we all have put extra pressure on ourselves saying use this time wisely. My new favourite saying from your post is now 'comparison is the thief of joy'. I might have to use that one James
Specialist HR Officer @ NHS | OD Practitioner
4 年James, lockdown for me has been a period of enforced development. I didn't try to juggle kids, puppy, full time work, I just did it. I didn't plan to encounter a 5 year old wielding an electric screwdriver behind my laptop screen whilst on a Teams call, and responded calmly when it happened. I wasn't expecting someone to shout "THE PUPPY'S HAD A POO!" when I was on a call with Cabinet Office - mortified! But you know what? I did it. I never knew at all how resilient, agile and committed I was to being Mam, employee and jack of all trades until lock down. I don't believe anyone needs to action development right now, we are learning and 'doing it' every day. Humans are so awesome ??