Opportunity lies in Adversity

‘’Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it a seed of an equal or greater benefit.’’

– Napoleon Hill

This is an unprecedented time in our nation. An unusual, challenging situation for many. Almost every news article, radio bulletin, and social media post is about Coronavirus. It’s hard to see the wood through the trees.

It’s difficult to see light at the end of the tunnel with so much uncertainty.

However, there is some good news! What I’ve learned from reading, listening, and associating with integral influential leaders, is that there is always opportunity and hope when adversity strikes. You cannot control the circumstances, but you can choose your RESPONSE.

“BETWEEN STIMULUS AND RESPONSE THERE IS A SPACE. IN THAT SPACE LIES OUR FREEDOM AND POWER TO CHOOSE OUR RESPONSE. IN THOSE CHOICES LIE OUR GROWTH AND OUR HAPPINESS”

– Stephen Covey

In between the stimulus, your circumstances, COVID-19, you have the freedom to CHOOSE how you respond. This is entirely up to you.

I never said it was easy, but it’s in your control.

How you choose to respond could change everything.

Here are some observations I’ve made in just 3 days of isolation with my family: 

1. My mobile phone is an extension of me and I hate it

I’ve always known and taught that we are a distracted generation. The stimulus, expectations and the acceptance we crave through social media, our friendship groups, and our family can become a noose around our neck if we don’t seek to take control of our thoughts and manage the input we feed into our minds. Being isolated at home I’ve found myself often thinking of checking my phone, and I’m reminded of how important it is to create boundaries around technology during this precious family time over the next 4 weeks.As I write this, on a Sunday, Day 4 of the COVID-19 lockdown in NZ, I would typically have a no-tech day anyway by turning my phone off during our family day and only look to turn it on after the kids are in bed. It is even more important with no travel time during the week that I set some parameters around social media, checking emails, and responding to messages.

2. Most people can’t survive a month with no income

Lack of long-term planning, poor decision making around spending habits, and continuing to live from week to week is an unfortunate situation that many New Zealander’s are faced with on a regular basis. This pandemic has really highlighted the need for us to take control of our personal finances and develop the discipline to prepare for a rainy day (or a financial crisis!).

3. More than ever, people are searching for purpose.

When we lose control and the future is uncertain, many of us struggle to cope with seeing past our current circumstances. It’s amazing to observe how dependent society is on the routine of jobs, Monday to Friday, relax on the weekend then back to work on Monday. When the economy stops and we’re forced to stay home, what on earth are we going to do now? Binge on Netflix? Gorge our desire for anti-social media? Be engrossed with news all day long in fear of an escalating fly epidemic?

We were created to be around people. We are made to be in relationship with one another. Now is the time to reach out to those you haven’t spoken to for a long time. Be encouraging. Be a friend. People need your positive message

So how can we make the most of the next 4 weeks? 

Here are some thoughts as I reflect on what I’ll be focusing on......

1. Reflect on what’s most important

Although we appreciate the ability to work and we’re grateful to have jobs to provide for our families and afford to do the things we like to do in our spare time, at the end of the day, titles, careers, money, and success all rank below what we really care about.

2. Tell those close to you how much you love them

Too many times I hear people reflect on what they didn’t say, rather than what they did. If you haven’t taken a moment to tell your wife, husband, partner, mum, dad, kids, siblings, friend how much you love them, then permit me to prompt you. Go do it now. Don’t leave it unsaid. It’s so important to communicate your gratitude and affection to those who are most important to you.

Maybe you need to go thank your boss for supporting you during this difficult period of time, perhaps it’s your neighbor who deserves some kind words for just being there. When was the last time you told your spouse you love them just for being them!?

Seize this opportunity and say what you mean.

3. Exercise

Exercise. Every day. Do something, no matter how little, something is better than nothing. We know that COVID-19 is more dangerous for those who have underlying health conditions so I realise sometimes these conditions can be more serious and outside of our control but you still have the ability to do what you can with what you have.

There are some amazing experts in the health & fitness arena which you can learn from and I've already seen countless gyms, exercise programs, and fitness enthusiasts go online to bring their value to you from your home. Make yourself accountable and get it done early in the day.

If you really want to take your life to the next level then check out The 5am Club by Robin Sharma, it's one of my favourites. Own your morning, elevate your life!

4. Cut the fat

Being isolated with more downtime can highlight some things which are really not that important and in fact, are filling time and holding us back from being more productive.

We’re spending money less by being at home with no eating out, no extra entertainment expense and we can’t get to the shops to buy the things we didn’t really need to impress the people who don’t even care. So maybe there are some things we don’t really need to be spending money on when we come out of lockdown? This could be significant savings for you over the long term so take advantage of this change and turn it into something positive for your finances going forward.

It’s a great time to reflect on what you have been doing with your time that maybe is a complete waste of time. Identify it and don’t fall back into the bad habit once the lockdown is lifted. Instead, replace that time with something of value. Replace it with something in line with your values.

5. Create space for creativity

Creativity requires space. When we are typically locked up with a full schedule, this lockdown period is giving you an opportunity to take some time out and think. As simple as stopping, reflecting, and allowing yourself to dig deep into the imaginative mind we have been created with.

Get a notebook and pen, start writing so that as your ideas, words, pictures, and visions come to mind write them down. Many of them may not go anywhere but I’ve found by taking some time to do this it’s allowed me to think bigger, dream higher and expand my mindset beyond just grinding out a busy schedule and crushing daily tasks.

6. Start a business or project

Everybody has 168 hours a week. It’s what you choose to do with that allocated time that separates those who make things happen, and those who don’t.

Deep down, hidden away, you’ve had that idea, dream, or project you haven’t got around to starting. NOW is your time! Just do it! Reach out to that person you’re inspired by and look up to and hassle them for information, knowledge, and advice on how to move your dream forward. These next 4 weeks could be the most significant window in your life to finally get it started. Don’t delay, start today.

This is your moment.

Your response is in your control.

You can choose.

Carpe diem