Forecasting the Future
What will be the new normal—trying to go back where we came from (lifestyle), or will we have learned some things and carry on stronger and wiser? Will business return to former levels anytime soon, or will it even boost in 2021? Can we plan leisure travel or are we setting ourselves for more let downs and lockdowns? We had all these questions and more.
During the lockdown our perspective was supposed to change for the better. We were supposed to learn some really valuable life lessons—finding joy in our needs rather than chasing our wants. We were supposed to learn how to reflect on what’s most important to us, to be more considerate of the environment and not take anything for granted—be it our jobs, being together with friends and family, walks in the parks, catching a movie at the theatre with a loved one, etc. Businesses were supposed to learn to be empathetic and compassionate towards employees, people were supposed to learn to be kinder, more purpose-driven rather than profit-driven.
Let me tell you, complete lockdown is a thing of the past. During the semi-lockdowns and semi-unlocks that are on the way to complete unlocks, we still crave for the kind of life we lived before the pandemic. The fact that we crave for something so much tells us that perhaps we will most likely forget whatever lessons we learnt during the lockdown and go back to doing what we were, albeit with caution in the beginning but surely rush into it as soon as the checks and restrictions are lifted. And if India’s Unlock 1.0 is any indication, we may have forgotten whatever we learnt.
June 8, 2020, marked Unlock 1.0 in India and July 1, 2020, will likely be the beginning of Unlock 2.0. Despite surging cases and deaths in some metros, life slowly limped back to normal. What seemed like it would be a “new normal” post COVID lockdowns seems to have become just “normal.” Markets are down, but despite the lowest of lows, some are still making profits. Some people have started to travel for work and to meet their families in other towns. Social circles have become smaller no doubt, but friends begun to meet and hang out for dinners or drinks. Weddings and engagements are on, although with fewer people. Some people have returned to their daily grind as before the COVID lockdowns, with the exception of perhaps wearing masks, sanitizing and washing hands and maintaining some social distancing. However, for all purposes, life, is in fact, rushing back to normal.
Online shopping is on fire. Some industries, like the automobile industry, are taking this is as an opportunity and (are trying) to turn a disadvantage into their advantage (“buy vehicles to avoid public transport”)—with more or less success. People are also equipped to work from home (WFH). Even as people are being laid off, hiring is in full swing—a glance through the hiring websites will give you a clue. The rat race, my friends, is back and thriving. Specially seen, as people created a new rat race—doing as much as possible with family, attending numbers of webinars for their personal development or certifications, and reading as many books as possible, etc. We call this “leisure stress.”
Some businesses are adjusting to the demands and challenges and have cut down on office space, for example. They have become leaner and use technology and virtual engagements to carry on business. Other businesses are adjusting to the demand when it comes to products (like garment manufacturing firms are also producing medical kits). Some people are cautious about travel and making plans, but many others have started to throw caution to the winds and have begun to get on with it, as frustration and depression levels are too high.
When it comes to the private life, we need to also see how the lockdowns have affected relationships at home. People are suffering from cabin fever and are getting on each others’ nerves. Many divorces have been taking place, and domestic violence is far higher than it was 6 months ago.
All those burning issues during lockdown, seemed to have moved to the back-burner now that governments are trying to open everything up, travel restrictions have and will be eased soon. Loud roars about the suffering migrants or inhumanly high domestic abuse cases or metal health issues or even racist violence and religious fundamentalism have become quiet whimpers as noise about an impending war becomes louder.
You have a choice
You can choose to be different. You could choose to use the lesson you have learnt during the COVID lockdown. You could choose to forecast a better future for yourself. If we all choose what we thought we would do during lockdown, we could change things for the better. We could ensure that we do not really let the world slip into the rat race that has created havoc and pushed our well-being, intact relationships, and good mental health to a corner.
Now and in a post-Covid world, here are a few things you can always choose for your own wellness and that of others around you.
- Choose kindness and empathy in your personal and professional life.
- Choose understanding and collaboration in your business.
- Choose self-care and mindfulness.
- Choose to think before taking emotionally driven action.
- Choose to imagine BPO (best possible outcome) for your personal as well as your professional life.
- Choose to find a niche when it comes to the new market demands.
- Choose to focus on what you can control—your thoughts, words, actions, and reactions.
- Choose to be grateful for what you have.
- Choose needs over wants.
- Choose to create the much-needed distance and space for yourself.
If you want to go further ahead with your business or personal growth, you can approach us for Corporate wellness programmes or Life coaching sessions.
Remember, your wellness quotient is more important than your wealth quotient. Choose wellness, choose joy, choose peace.
Check this out video:
“8 things which I love about India”
Jasmin Waldmann is a well renowned international Life Coach. She guides people of any age, occupations, gender or nationality to work on their charisma, inner balance, guide how to become more successful and boost mental and physical health – and this counts for business and private life. Jasmin helps in a team-character way to a life full of joy and satisfaction.
Share your feedback, questions, experiences and suggestions to office@jasminwaldmann.com and read more articles here: www.jasminwaldmann.com/blog
