Lessons Learned from 2020
In 31 days, the year 2020 will be behind us. Just about any words that would be used to describe this year would understate the reality. In early spring, our lives were upended by the introduction of COVID-19. The disease has changed the way we work, play, learn, shop, worship, and celebrate holidays and milestone events. Few have been left untouched by the economic impact of the virus (https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikepatton/2020/10/12/the-impact-of-covid-19-on-us-economy-and-financial-markets/?sh=3b69e1602d20). Most importantly, there have been the health consequences and loss of life. Per the CDC, as of November 30th, there have been 244,354 COVID-19 related deaths in the United States (https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/vsrr/covid19/index.htm).
As if the pandemic were not enough, 2020 also brought to light some of the chasms that exist within and across our communities. The varying reactions to the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd, and the reactions to those reactions highlight the many ways in which the intersections of race and power continue to be problematic. And, as I write these words, the results of the November 3rd election are still being sorted out. Those of us living in Georgia won’t begin to exhale until after the January runoffs for our two senate seats. Oh, and don’t forget the masks. People are name calling, and in some cases coming to physical blows because they disagree about the wearing of masks as an aid in avoiding the transmission of the coronavirus.
Given all that 2020 has laid at our collective doorsteps, along with the personal challenges you may have (great and small) that don’t go on break when the world around us is in chaos, few would blame you for taking to your bed for the rest of the month, and dreaming about a brighter 2021. One problem with that scenario is that most of the problems of 2020 are going to spill over into 2021, which will arrive with its own issues. Another problem with sleeping the month away is that you will have missed 31 days of conditioning, planning, and enjoying the pleasures of the present. Yes, the pleasures of the present. For me, it’s been the joy of bringing a new puppy into my home – a Westie with just enough Westitude to keep me on my toes. I’ve also found joy in renewed relationships with a group of women I went to college with. Our fun-filled, bi-monthly virtual get-togethers would not have happened if the pandemic had not corralled us.
Reconnecting with my friends and raising a puppy were intentional acts on my part. The same intentionality is proving useful with regards to my professional life. My plan is to retire from my full-time position with a government agency in two years. Never one to put all of my eggs into one basket, I was in the process of considering additional income streams when COVID-19 hit. The time seemed right to establish Sharpe Behavioral Consulting, LLC in a virtual space, and to incorporate my love for writing with the business by creating this blog. While I have no reason to believe that my “retire in two years” plan will be disrupted, I am positioning myself for that possibility. If we had not learned the lesson before, 2020 has certainly taught us that preparation for the unexpected is as essential in work, as it is in other aspects of life. Here are some other lessons that may help you in your work life as you look ahead, and away from 2020:
- Establish priorities and set related goals. Whether you’re just starting out, or want to supplement retirement income, be clear about why you are working; why you work a particular job in a particular place; and, what you hope to achieve. Are you working because you want to buy a home in two years? Perhaps there are family members that you need or want to provide support for. Is it important that your work provides a sense of personal, spiritual, or altruistic satisfaction? Ask yourself these questions without judgement. Not what your priorities should be, but what they actually are. Priorities are a function of values – what’s important to you. Once you determine your priorities, then you can establish employment or work goals that align with them. While now is probably not the best time to voluntarily leave a position, especially one with health benefits, keep in mind that pandemics and other hard times don’t last forever. Look to the future, beyond COVID-19 and prepare for it.
- Develop Plans B and C. Just because something is one way today, doesn’t mean that it will be that way tomorrow. While we’re not able to anticipate every possible turn of events, it’s a good idea to consider several, and to develop plans that may be implemented if necessary. No one wants to think about death or divorce. But, if something happens to your spouse or partner, how will the loss of their income affect your priorities and quality of life? Perhaps, you’re in an industry that’s hanging by a thread due to COVID-19. Don’t wait until you’re furloughed or terminated to figure out how you’re going to make it. Now is the time to pursue a degree or certification in a field that will position you for future employment. You may be an entrepreneur at heart, or want to explore ways in which a passion or hobby can be transitioned into a source of income. There are a wealth of resources at your disposal – chambers of commerce, local government websites and the Small Business Administration https://www.sba.gov/.
- Read. Being well-informed helps when you’re seeking to broaden your professional world. Unfortunately, many people rely solely on social media when it comes to gathering information. The problem with relying on social media is that most of us only follow people and sites that echo what we already know and believe. Even network and cable news sources are fraught with opinions such that we’re inclined to only listen to those whose opinions confirm our own beliefs and values. Try reading without judgment, something that “the other guy” has written. If there is information circulating in the news or on social media that impacts your work life, e.g., the coronavirus infection rate, go to the CDC website, look at the statistics, and formulate your own opinion. Review primary sources when you can. If an article written by your favorite journalist or blogger references an amendment to the Constitution, take the time to read the amendment for yourself. If that same writer expresses an opinion about a celebrity or political figure, read that person’s biography or memoir. These practices will increase your insight into people who differ from you, as well as, hone your skills as an independent thinker. Independent thinking is a cousin of creative thinking and is especially valuable for those in positions of leadership.
- Monitor your well-being. All of the preparation and planning in the world means little if one is too weak or broken to execute. If you find it difficult to get out of bed in the morning and take a shower, it’s not likely that you will have the motivation and energy to review work-related priorities and establish goals. Perhaps you were struggling emotionally before COVID-19 struck, and now it’s worse. Maybe the death of George Floyd triggered memories of a personal trauma. Or, perhaps the loss of employment has made homelessness imminent for you and your family. If you find yourself relating to these or similar situations, your first step should be to seek stabilizing support and resources. Your primary care provider should be able to refer you to a mental health professional. If you have medical insurance, your insurer has a directory of mental health providers that you may call for an appointment. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has a wealth of resources for those suffering, as well as, the people who love them (https://www.nami.org/Home). And, if you are having suicidal thoughts, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available at 1-800-273-8255.
These are just a few of the lessons that may be learned from our experiences in 2020. Undoubtedly, there are numerous others. My hope is that we all remain healthy, hopeful, and receptive.
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