So, What Do We Do Next?

Just like you, I have been thinking (a lot!) about what is going on in our world right now. I choose to be an optimist and try to find the silver lining… the opportunity within this situation… a strategy to navigate a crisis. The issues we are facing now, though, are overwhelming:

Global pandemic

• Everyone is staying home

• Do we send our kids to school?

• What is the future of community/culture/working?

Black Lives Matter

• The problem is clear

• What is the solution?

• How does each community change?

The Economy

• Businesses are closing

• Unemployment stimulus is ending

• How are we going to survive financially?

Climate change

• This one has not magically gone away

And, this is just the short list. There are SO MANY other things, too. And, there are so many opinions on where things need to go. I don’t profess to have the answers (not yet, anyway), but one thing we can all agree on…

The Times They Are A-Changin’

And you better start swimmin’

Or you’ll sink like a stone

Gotcha', Bobby D. But what can we do now to prepare for these times?

Five things have become clear to me to get ready for the new normal we are facing now and the uncharted path we are on. Whatever happens in the months and years ahead, having inner peace, connecting with fellow humans and continuing to expand our minds are the essential ingredients for success. Here are some ways to nurture these in your life now:

Start a garden

• If you’ve got some extra time on your hands, this is a great hobby… and you get to eat the fruits of your labor, which is certainly healthier for your body. Not to mention the Zen-like relaxation of working with nature. You will probably start to notice some intricate beauty as well.

Go for a walk

• Get up, get out and start moving! It’s easy to get into a comfortable routine of sitting, eating and watching Netflix. Don’t. Do. It. Get some fresh air, move your body, free your mind. It’s amazing how different you feel after a 30-minute walk. And the health benefits are well documented. It’s good for your heart, good for your lungs and good for your mood.

Continue to learn

• As the world begins to recover, specialized workers will be needed. Be the person who thought ahead and developed the right skills for anticipated needs. The job market is only going to get more competitive. Strengthen existing skills and start picking up some new ones NOW. Here are a couple good places to get you started:

  • Kahn Academy

  • Coursera

  • Udemy

  • CodeAcademy

  • StanfordOnline

Grow your network

• You're spending more time online – so is everyone else. Connect with people who share interests with you. Reach out to thought leaders across the country – and around the world! People have more time to connect… and share their wisdom. Some of my favorites groups include:

  • LinkedIn

  • MarketingProfs

  • American Marketing Association

  • Creative Mornings

Start journaling

• Write down your crazy ideas. Make lists of things you see happening. Note what trends are beginning to develop. I have several notebooks filled with various musings, scribbled ideas, doodles, reminders, lists… Life stuff. It’s always a treat for me to go back through these and remember what was going on… in my life… in the news… in the world. Given the cycle we are in right now, I think will make some interesting reading in 20 years!

We may not know where we're going... or how we'll even get there, but we do know things are changing. And, we know the types of activities that help us to successfully navigate uncharted waters to reach calmer seas in a new place. Stay safe. Stay strong. Stay Curious. We're gonna' make it.