Right Now

Have you seen the posts: What will you do differently post-COVID-19? COVID-19 doesn’t have to end for you to grow, change your perspective, or even connect (although it may look a little differently right now).

Why does it have to be that way? Why wait? Here’s the thing:

Here are some things you can work on right now: your perspective, your growth, and your plan.

One thing that helps me in times of stress is changing my perspective. I’m a praying man (that is, I pray to Jesus). That helps me. If I still struggle, I seek support through my wife and/or friends. I’ve said this a few times lately, but rather than be concerned whether the glass is half full or half empty, how about be thankful you have a glass with something in it? Gratitude really helps. The problem is if we’re low or struggling, it’s hard to be grateful sometimes, so seek help. If there’s a behavior you want to change , thoughts you wish were different, or feelings you cannot escape (see a previous post on the Cognitive Triangle), I challenge you to do something. If you start with a one area (for example, a thought), you can impact other areas (your behaviors and/or feelings). If you’re in a bad situation and it’s really hard to see the light, seek support (check with your EAP, search for crisis text lines or chat options such as 741741, seek online counseling such as BetterHelp). This could be family, friend, or professional if necessary. Simply adding the words “right now” to any negative statement about your current situation can help remind you that whatever is happening is temporary. Do self-check. If necessary, do what you can to change your perspective. It is a great first step!

Before you know it, you’ll have a few steps behind you, and you’ll find yourself in a position of growth. Now is an excellent opportunity for you to grow. You can start something—anything! You can use this time as an opportunity to learn a new skill, get healthy, start a new hobby, write more, read more, update your resume, connect with people (just do so differently, please), etc. There are many free resources out there. Do a quick search with your favorite search engine and give it a go. Want to make sure you follow through? Schedule it! Put it on your calendar. Scheduling helps with planning.

This brings me to the next step. If nothing else, you can create a plan. Write down what you want to accomplish. Sometimes, the smallest thing can seem overwhelming, but breaking things down into manageable parts can help with that feeling of overwhelm. Everything out there starts with one small word—idea.

“If you dream it, you can do it.” ~ Walt Disney

I’m not sure what your dream is but here’s the thing: You are! If your dream takes many steps, it all starts with the first one. As I like to say, baby steps will get you there.

This time is difficult for many of us. It doesn’t have to be. It can be a time of opportunity if you let. Work on your perspective. Grow. Make a plan. As Jack Ingram sings, “We’re all in this together.” Why wait? Start right now.

(Bonus points if you can name where the picture was taken. Hint: It’s one of my favorite fictitious towns! 📸: Dez Newcomb)

“We’re all in this together

whether we like it or not.

So we might as well have a good time

with the little bit of time we got.

Life’s too short to fuss and fight,

so we might as well be friends.

‘Cause we’re all in this together,

together ‘til the bitter end.” ~ Jack Ingram