The Opportunities That Sit Within
The last Midweek was about adjusting to new normals, written before the word lockdown was even in my vocabulary. What timing ey?
Amidst the challenges and hardships lockdown is bringing, I’m fascinated by the opportunity for growth that it presents. And in the hope that it might allow you the same perspective, I want to share a little of what that’s looked like.
For me, that growth looks like a nudge to press reset. Reset on my habits, priorities, relationships and mindset. Something I didn’t know I needed but looking back I absolutely did.
I don’t know about you but I find it so easy to slip into living life on autopilot. Doing things because that’s what I’m used to. Losing clarity around the standards I hold. Allowing the ‘shoulds’ and opinions of others to seep in. Putting off making changes because sticking to what’s comfortable feels easier. And without sounding too dramatic, living out a sub-standard version of the life I want to lead.
And this forced change of pace has presented an opportunity to both see that and more importantly, press reset. To rebuild things from the ground up.
Changing something in the midst of a full life is tough. It’s like removing one part of what feels like a well oiled machine - counter-productive and hard to adjust to (quite literally putting a spanner in the works). But when most of what you’re used to is gone, making a change, or multiple in my case, feels a whole lot easier. At least that’s what I’ve found.
So in a totally non linear way I’ve spent the last 7 weeks rebuilding. Taking my life and business back to the foundations. Questioning why I’m doing everything. Connecting back to what I want. And pushing myself to rebuild in a way that honours that.
What’s that looked like so far?
Treating my body and brain better by getting back into running and reading each morning.
Working from a place of intention and doing things in a way that aligns with what matters most.
Showing up outside of work consciously by finding hobbies and allowing guilt-free time off.
To name a few.
Some have come naturally with this pace of life. Some have been necessary coping mechanisms. And some have taken a little more effort to implement. But each has been so worth it when I consider the new normal I want to return to.
I don’t want to step back into the way I was doing things pre-lockdown. I want to look back at this weird time and see the good it brought. And pressing reset feels like the right way to make that happen.
I’m pretty certain that this clarity, realignment and subsequent changes wouldn’t have come to life if it weren’t for this season. And for that I’m pretty grateful. If you’re interested to hear more about what the business side has looked like, you may enjoy this podcast episode in which I shared an uncut call with my business mentor.
Now I’m curious, what opportunity sits within this season for you? Perhaps reflecting on the new normal you want to return to, and how this differs from the one you had pre-lockdown, might get you thinking.
PS - on the topic of habits I’m currently reading Atomic Habits by James Clear - the perfect lockdown read if like me, you're questioning how to create and sustain the habits that sit within this season.
PPS - I’d like to caveat all of above with a reminder that this is being said by someone who, in the grand scheme of things, is V privileged. With a healthy family and no immediate financial stress, I am able to use this time for ‘good’ and fully appreciate that isn’t the same for everyone.