You're Going To Come Out Of This Crisis Even Stronger. Here's How

Tough times don't last, tough people do

As I sit at home under lock-down orders with my family, we are learning how to slow down our lives and take each day to learn how to adjust for the road ahead. My husband and I are in the process of working on our new company, which we are launching for real estate investors, who need a new way to scale new investing opportunities. Everyday is a life-masterclass, filled with brainstorming, thinking, listening, cooking, homeschooling and a bevy of nightly board-games (I am the new undefeated Domino's champion). 

And honestly, I would not have it any other way

The most valuable lesson I have learned during this time is I refuse to wait for everything to go "BACK" to normal. I am embracing normal as a constant that moves forward. I have stopped mourning over the “good old days” and began embracing this new chapter in my life as a way to move forward in a post-Covid-19 reality, while the world is watching all of the news and conspiracy theories. 

The past new weeks have made me think about how many times in the past that I have pivoted and transformed myself in my former career and business. Today, I am prepared to do it again, while building a power house team within my tribe to advance the journey. Although, you may be a little uncertain right now during this time, you must look at the potential of a clean slate.

This Pandemic has changed my mind … about everything!

Prior to the announcement of a formal pandemic, I was traveling the world in first-class, speaking at crowded industry events (over 5,000 attendees), taking meetings with investors around the world in crowded restaurants and meeting spaces, attending my son’s sports practices with hundreds of parents, touring investment properties and just carelessly living life. I can’t truly call it careless - but by today’s standards - I lived a high-touch & direct contact life.

However, I did not see the global impact of Covid-19, nor could have predicted how our daily lives would change. I have shifted my perspective on everything from the impact of my business, my brand, and even the potential of homeschooling my son until there is at least a proven cure or vaccine.

Most of all, I have completely re-framed the public appearance side of my business model, which has afforded me the opportunity to grow my company exponentially over the past 4 years. Today, I have invested in a relationship-model, which allows me to build and grow meaningful partnerships, and take Zoom calls that have a desired outcome, rather than an exploratory conversation.

In the end, I am now making profitable decisions that are based on health and safety, rather than remaining “busy.” 

I am now officially past the grieving stage!

What should you do during this time?

As always, you must do what is best for you and your family. The primary focus of your life, career and/or business is to stop looking back. Looking back, or even waiting, comes from a place for fear and scarcity. While politicians and the labor force is trying to find the right “hypothesis” to go back to work by selling us on projections and ideas, the slate has been wiped clean and there are new opportunities on the market for everyone. 

Although you may be skeptical about my theory, I want to give you some realistic perspective and example — entertainers are in their Malibu mansions trying to think of a new way to tour “virtually.” Do you think you will ever want to sit in a crowded space such as Madison Square Garden for 4 hours to enjoy a concert anytime soon? I doubt it! 

But entertainers have been forced to pivot over the past 20 years, and only a few made it through each turn. Then we went from tapes, to CD’s, to streaming and touring. Now that the live concerts have made a screeching halt, the next wave of pivoting for artists is coming, and only a few will make it to the next stage.

If successful entertainers have to find ways to pivot, so do you!

The primary issue you are experiencing is grief and mourning. You are grieving the stability and comfort you once enjoyed, and complained about in some instances. The stability of waking up each day, with an agenda and a defined result. The scary reality of today, especially with over 250,000 lives lost worldwide and 30 million jobs lost in 4 weeks in the United States, you may worried about starting over, but it may not be a choice. 

In reality, those who have complained for years about the need to change or get out of their comfort zone, are those who will struggle during this time. But the one thing I have learned about grief, as a personal experience, is life does not stop while you are in mourning. This is an opportunity for you to get your creative genius in the market and create a new normal for yourself. 

But to make that a reality, you must

Turn off the news and notifications — It is clouding your creativity and productivity.

Stop panicking — Easier said than done, I know, but it is the only way you can find a way to focus.

Stop waiting — The longer you wait, the more you will talk yourself out of trying. 

TRY-- This is the most difficult step, especially if you are a perfectionist, but time is your enemy.

It’s time to stop calling it the “new normal.” This is our normal — simple! It is time to accept latex gloves, social distancing, sanitizer and face masks as part of our wardrobe to protect ourselves from harm. It is time to start accepting that several industries will never be the same, so stop waiting for a full return to the good old days. 

This is about perspectives, not projections!

Remember, more millionaires & billionaires are made during a recession while the market is abundant with overlooked opportunities. The longer you crave and mourn over what you have lost, or have the potential to lose, the longer it will take to see how resilient you are. 

Embrace the days and opportunities ahead of you. Use the days behind you to remind yourself how strong you are.

Carol Sankar is a high level consultant and the founder of The Confidence Factor for Women in Leadership. She has been featured at TEDx, The Steve Harvey Show, Harvard Business School, The United Way and more. In addition, her work has been covered by Inc. Magazine, Glamour, O Magazine, Forbes, Harvard, Entrepreneur Magazine — to name a few. Carol is also a contributor for Inc., & Entrepreneur Magazine. For more details, visit www.carolsankar.com