Let’s refocus.
As we are navigating our way through our current reality of limited outings, social distancing, cancelled events and uncertainty surrounding our work, education and childcare – we’d like to shift the conversation. Let’s take a moment to talk about humanity. Let’s talk about taking the ‘us’ and ‘me’ out of the equation and focusing on the ‘you’ and ‘society’. At CH we put a lot of emphasis on conceptualizing your entire financial picture and making sure the pieces are working together. We are equally huge proponents of the ever-elusive ‘big picture’. During times of crisis we believe it’s even more critical to internalize this outlook to ensure it permeates everything we do. Here are our tried and true methods of generating positivity and creating a general sense of purpose.
Focus on Others
In periods of turmoil, it can be natural for people to turtle into themselves. It’s a common reaction that can leave them feeling isolated and helpless. If anyone starts to feel this way, you must make an effort to knowingly and overtly do the opposite. Expand your connection with others and focus on the positives. It’s amazing how an outward focus can cause you to worry much less about your own situation and give confidence to the people around you. When times are uncertain, there is no better occasion to strengthen your relationships with those around you. Pick up the phone. Do something nice for a stranger. Reach out to an old colleague. Keep the connections alive – especially during these rare times where limited physical contact is mandatory. It is a near certainty that someone you know is struggling more than you. Let them know you’re there for them. Be there for them.
Focus on Progress
Things may not be easy. My dad always says, ‘What doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger’. For most of us the struggles we are currently facing are finite. There is an end in sight. Your body’s muscles get stronger when working against resistance (my favourite workout – resistance bands!). The same is true for your mind and your character. When you are most challenged is when you have the greatest opportunity to improve as a human being. We don’t get those opportunities often. There’s a lot we can learn about ourselves and society through tumultuous events. Take the opportunity to discover what’s truly important and what really drives you – then turn this into action when the world rights itself (as it always does).
Focus on Gratitude
Gratitude is the holy grail of happiness. Oprah Winfrey said, “Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have you will never, ever have enough.”. To that end, our team tossed around a few of the things we’re most grateful for. Maybe you can relate…