The world changed! Just like that, everything we considered part of a normal life changed in the course of 2-3 days. Words like Pandemic, Global Crisis, and Social Distancing are now the norm. A question I hear often is, “When will we get back to normal?”

Much like the massive changes to our lives after the 9/11 attacks, we can never go back to where we were. Things we thought impossible became possible. There is no going back. Now we must look to the future and decide what’s possible inside a new normal. Even though you cannot control anything that is going on in the world today, you can control how it affects you and those most precious to you. While things may not be optimal, we need to look at what is possible.

It’s Not What Happens That Matters

First-century stoic philosopher Epictetus first said, “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” More recently, Jim Rohn said, “It’s not what happens; it’s what you do that determines your future.” Both are great reminders that even though we cannot control what has happened, we can control our thoughts and actions in the midst of what happened. Here are some ideas to guide you on moving from optimal to what’s possible.  

Moving from Optimal to What’s Possible

1.     Stop thinking about the way things used to be. If you dwell on the loss of optimal, you can miss what’s possible. Learn from the past, but don’t be controlled by the past. Put on your forward-thinking hat.

2.     Assess your new reality. It’s great to be optimistic and positive. Having a positive, can-do attitude will be a must in the new normal. However, be sure to do a brutally honest assessment of your new reality as you chart your course forward. What has occurred is truly unprecedented in our lifetimes, so proceed with as much clarity as is possible about where you are starting.

3.     Re-affirm your personal goals and desired outcomes. Just because global dynamics have changed does not mean your purpose has changed. It just means you may have to find another way to get there. What are the outcomes you can pursue for your family, business, and community?

4.     Reflect on how what happened opens opportunities for you to use your gifts and talents to serve your audience better. And by audience, I mean in your home, in your business, and your community. Most likely, you will need to discover new ways to do things you may have done without even thinking about it before.

5.     Run the what-ifs. Whenever a massive global change occurs, it is good to spend some time contemplating the magnitude of how that change will affect your world. Spend some time considering various what-if scenarios and what is possible in each case. What if more businesses move online? What if travel is restricted for xx months? What if…

6.     Be generous with others. We are not all at the same place, and we are not all going to see the current events in the same light. Some will be affected more, and some will have a more difficult time moving forward. Be generous with:

-        Resources – what do you have that others could use? Time? Money? Supplies?

-        Empathy – Who might need you just to listen and feel their struggle?

-        Understanding – Don’t expect others to see things like you, feel things like you, or respond to things like you. Meet others where they are and look for ways to serve.

7. Be adaptable. In uncertain times it is imperative to remain adaptable as dynamics continue to shift and move. Keep learning. Keep growing. Keep looking for what’s possible.

8. Be kind to yourself. No, you should not have seen this coming. No, you should not have known this could happen. It’s not your fault, and it’s out of your control. So, whatever the situation you find yourself in today, speak kindly to yourself as you chart the path forward for you, your family, and your business.

The world changed! Now it’s up to you. What are you going to do with all the incredible possibilities that are in play because of this change?