What a crazy world we are living in today. Thinking back just a few months, I’m sure none of could have imagined the state of the world today. 

While I’m hoping that, by the time this editorial publishes, we’ll be looking at a different scene, it’s made some stark realities clear.

There are a ton of lessons that we can be learning from all of this. And a lot of them are incredibly positive. By staying calm and weathering the storm, whatever it may be, we can learn, grow, and be better than ever. 

Change is Quick

In a matter of days, we found ourselves faced with a new illness. An illness we knew little about, but that harkened back to pandemics of yesteryear, such as the highly deadly Spanish Flu. In a few weeks, we found ourselves self-isolating and in some areas on mandatory lockdowns and quarantines. 

This reminds us how quickly things around us can change. In an instant, we can be looking at a whole new landscape. 

Creativity is Blossoming

One of the upsides of our situation? Looking at the many incredibly creative ways that businesses in all industries are handling things. Coming up with new ideas to help serve their customers. To entertain. To educate. 

The entertainment industry is being hit incredibly hard right now. We can learn a lot from these folks. They won’t give up and instead have found ways to livestream shows and use virtual, online tip jars. 

Trying New Things

Sure, a few of us are realizing how many “meetings could have been an e-mail.” But many of us are being forced to try some new technology and are learning the value of some understated solutions. Video conference calls, team planning programs, online chat services, and social media are all being looked at a little differently. 

It’s Okay to Slow Down

I also think a large number of us are also learning that it’s okay to slow down a little bit. It’s okay to work less than a 10-hour day. It’s okay to play with your family. Cook a meal together at home. Enjoy a walk. 

The sheer number of postponed events and travel that has stopped leaves many of us feeling a little lost. Take this time to slow down a little. Enjoy your families. Start that hobby you’ve been thinking about. Work on some puzzles. Bake some bread. Write a book. Call your best friend you haven’t seen in months. 

Increased Togetherness

One side effect I’m personally noting is that, even through isolation, there is a bigger spirit of togetherness. In our local communities. In our workplaces. In our cities and states. In our industries.

Many are noticing that, regardless of your beliefs or leanings toward conspiracy theories, life is changing. The world is different today. And we are in this together. 

Watching those who are healthy and able to help those who are ill or compromised gives that much more hope for humanity. 

Time to Plan

Finally, so many of us complain there aren’t enough hours in the day to plan. We are typically working on putting out day-to-day fires. Well, a lot of the fires are out right now. If you find yourself with a little more time on your hands, use it to plan for the future. Analyze some data, look into some problem areas, research some solutions. One benefit to all of this, company sales reps are home right now, waiting for your call. 

If you are one of the many on the frontlines right now, laughing at the idea of “free time” or “planning” — I have two simple words: thank you. You are the ones keeping the world running right now. 

The Bottom Line

Today is different than yesterday. Tomorrow will be different from today. If we stay calm, remain leaders in our industries, and help keep the world supplied and moving, we will soon see the light at the end of this long, strange, bumpy tunnel. 

What do you think about the current state of world affairs? What are you doing to help your neighbors? Your industry? 

E-mail me, let’s chat! 

lauren.fletcher@bobit.com