We’re learning to live with a new normal, not just in the United States, but globally. Days that used to be hectic and structured for many families have suddenly become un-scheduled and open. Children are at home, many parents are now working at home and everyone is worried. If you had a big career goal or side-business before March, you may have forgotten it by now.
I have some experience managing the unexpected in my life and business. Just like everyone else, when difficult times like illness, grief, or heartbreak occurred, I wanted to curl up and crawl in bed. As a single mom and entrepreneur, I didn’t have that option. I was the one responsible for paying the mortgage, utilities, and tuition. Even though I felt devastated, I did not have the luxury of not producing. When things were the most difficult for me, I decided to commit to doing two things a day for my business, and I’d try to get them done before 10 a.m.
On the worst days, I got a very late start and didn’t accomplish my tasks until late in the evening. On the good days, I’d get to my list early, feel positive and do much more. Fortunately, the really sad or really sick days were minimal. I soon learned that staying active helped me to heal.
Feeling sad, anxious and overwhelmed can really throw us off. Sometimes when we don’t know what to do, we simply do nothing. I want to encourage you right now to do two things every day that keep you on track for your goals. Even though it’s so much easier to stay busy and distracted with entertainment and keeping busy with the kids or work, make time for your dreams.
This pandemic will end eventually. It may not be the last crisis you handle. Decide now if you will handle this time re-actively or pro-actively. Doing these tasks now will make it much easier for you to resume life and business once the economy recovers.
You might want to bury yourself right now, and that is understandable. Remember though, starting over is much harder when you’ve ignored your projects for months. Do your best right now to do two things each day that will move you forward. When the difficult times are over, you’ll be able to pivot back to your goals much faster if you haven’t forgotten them.
Make a list of all the small but important things you’ve been meaning to do for your career or business. Each morning, choose the two that you’ll complete for that day. This is the strategy that kept me from losing my business during the most difficult challenges I faced.
You are strong. You are resilient. You can do this. Don’t wait until this crisis is over to get back to work on your dreams.
I believe in you, and I cannot wait to see what you create now.