As if the spread of COVID-19 isn’t challenging enough to navigate, we’re also facing tragic fires, unpredictable social and political environments, job losses, financial troubles, personal problems, and the general chaos that’s been happening this year for our world and its economy.
Resiliency is especially crucial during these tough times. As I’ve mentioned, it takes certain DNA to make a successful entrepreneur, but it also boils down to a battle with mindset. To get in the right headspace and stay focused despite everything going on, here are some things I keep in mind:
Gain a New Perspective
Easier said than done, but one of the first things to do in your battle with mindset is to try and look at life in a new light. It may feel like the world is coming to an end, but you’ve got to work with what you have and own it. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a breather, overhaul your routine, and ask for help where and when you need it. Maybe you’re worried about your job, your family, money, or the future, but the point is that everyone’s problems are significant and hold merit on their own, and it requires active thinking to gain a new perspective.
Leverage a Positive Spirit
Investments, major deals, companies experiencing success, and the economy are still doing well despite what’s going on in the world so you need to be doing it too. Jump on the train that’s headed for success, and make a conscious effort to see things more positively. Be aware of all of the ups and downs that you’re experiencing, knowing that you might have a bad day or two, but not 180 of them. The bottom line is that every day is a new day, and it’s going to get better. Think back to a few days, weeks, or months ago—they’re likely a lot better than they were then. Keep going, and aim to keep your sights on the “glass half full” view to take you past the pandemic.
Disconnect To Reconnect
Elevate your perspective—literally. Go for a hike or a walk, clear your head by taking a jog, or just step outside for a moment to getsome fresh air and vitamin D. Try doing a good deed every day and recognize how that helps others, which in turn gives yourself a boost as well. Reach out to loved ones and old friends via call or text, as it may not only help you, but it will probably make their day too. There might be fewer face-to-face interactions right now, but there are still plenty of opportunities to develop new relationships. Zoom meetings have been instrumental in this business industry, and I’ve made many fresh connections this way. Lean on Zoom to see familiar faces or build rapport with new contacts.
If you’re working from home (or even if you’re back at the office), take a break after a half-hour or so of work. Preventing burnout is so important in the battle with mindset right now, so a change of pace, activity, or scenery can make all the difference. You’ve still got to tackle all of your responsibilities, so do what you need to see progress and make things happen.
Own It
Even if there wasn’t a pandemic happening, everyone would still be experiencing problems. If you don’t own what’s personally going on with you right now, you’re going to have a difficult time getting out of the mud. By “owning it,” I mean understanding the need for change and acting upon it. Although it’s tough and may be challenging to see beyond current circumstances, you’ll benefit from the hardships that you’re navigating right now. In this unfamiliar COVID-19 environment, you can learn new things and sharpen skills in this whole new world. Now is the time to take the bull by the horns and run with it on your own terms.
If the world was ending today, you simply have to be ready for it, though, the good news is that it hasn’t and it won’t. Whoever you are and whatever challenges you’re facing, you’re going to be okay. You are as resilient as you believe that you are, and you’ve got to dominate the battle that you’re having with your mindset. I’ve got a lot of advice for getting ahead during this uncertain time, but the ball is in your court to get your mind there.
Good luck, and stay safe out there!