It’s hard to know where to start this post.
The last week has probably been the strangest of my life; as I’m sure it has been for you.
Like many people, if you had asked me about coronavirus on Monday or Tuesday, I would have said it’s not that big of a deal. A massive overreaction.
But now?
I have a simple phrase that I say in almost every speech or training I do:
CONTROL THE CONTROLLABLES.
Normally when I say it, I’m talking about achieving a business goal or possibly winning an athletic competition. Focus on what you can control and uncontrollable outcomes usually take care of themselves.
As we navigate the pandemic, this is an entirely different type of “outcome,” but I think the premise still applies.
Control. The. Controllables.
How you apply this control is entirely up to you. I don’t prejudge anyone that is stocking up on toilet paper, hand sanitizer and soap, wearing a mask and practicing social distancing. If those actions give you comfort, keep it up.
Personally, I look at it a little differently. I’m not a doctor, but in my humble opinion, one of the things I don’t hear enough people discussing is the necessity of also keeping a strong immune system. You can control your exercise, nutrition, hydration, sleep and stress—all the things vital to keep your immune system functioning the way it should be. Our bodies are phenomenal machines and at the end of the day, your best defense is likely your own body’s defense.
One other thought—the benefits of laughter have probably never been more important than they are right now. We’re all being bombarded by information and much of it can seem like doom and gloom.
I’ve Skyped with my brother (who lives in Rome, Italy) every day this week and we’ve talked plenty about coronavirus and how eerie it is that his entire country is on lockdown, but we’ve spent an equal amount of time chatting about other random things that just make us both laugh:
(how to work out at home when you’re trapped due to coronavirus :))
I’m finding there’s a fine line between consuming enough information to be educated and so much that you’re fixated and paralyzed by it.
I realize that pandemics aren’t laughing matters, but sometimes, what matters is laughing. It is therapeutic and a welcomed distraction.
Take a deep breath, please stay healthy and keep Outperforming. This, too, shall pass!
