Note: I wrote this during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. Hard to overstate the amount of uncertainty and disbelief that was part of that time. That said, it was also an opportunity for me to become more aware of my story about how the world is supposed to work – and how much it impacts my interpretation of reality.
Recently, I was on a call with some colleagues of mine. They are coaches, leaders, entrepreneurs, researches and social scientists from all over the county. I asked what they thought the COVID-19 dynamics in our lives, businesses and communities might look like over the next six to twelve months.
One of the members of our group shared with us that a highly reputable source told him that we could be living like this until early 2023. What!!?? I almost refused to believe it! But why not?
My Story
Because I was gripping tightly to a story. My Story …about how I thought my life should be: “This COVID thing just has to end.”
For me, the novelty (no pun intended) of this whole COVID-19 experience wore off a long time ago. The masks, the social distancing, limited interaction with friends, clients or colleagues. Not to mention the hardship that I knew it was causing for families directly impacted by the virus. It’s all gotten a little old.
The seven-year-old in me is so over this.
The Power of Objectivity
However, the more grown-up part of me is aware that we may be settling into a long stretch of uncertainty – one in which all the daily annoyances in place today will go on for six, twelve, maybe eighteen months or longer.
Nobody wants this to go on much longer. But it turns out that my story about COVID-19 has not been serving me. It has made me anxious and frustrated. It triggered a focus around fulfilling only MY needs. (Understandable. Just not necessarily productive.) And it has clouded my thinking.
I was reminded by my colleagues that when I am able to face the potential realities of this pandemic in more objective ways, it is easier to live my life more successfully. Loosening my grip on unproductive stories helps me to:
- Deal with the realities in front of me…and not just try to pretend (or wish) they aren’t happening.
- Think in new ways about reaching out to my colleagues and clients.
- Create innovative learning platforms that help my clients to develop – even if I can’t be with them in-person.
- Find ways to connect to friends and family so that they feel appreciated and perhaps not so isolated.
…just to name a few.
Loosening Your Grip
The stories we form in our minds over time can help us. But we also need to be aware of when we are gripping too tightly to the stories that aren’t serving us. The good news: our stories are just thoughts…and we can always build NEW and more productive thoughts about our world and our experiences.
What story or stories are you gripping too tightly to when you think about the COVID-19 pandemic? How are those stories limiting your potential right this minute…to be the best leader, colleague or teammate you can be?
What new stories could you create that would help you – and those around you that depend on you – to move more successfully through the next year or so?
Give it some good thought. (Get it… 🙂)
