Whilst “things” are settling into a semblance of “normality”, it is still turbulent waters we find ourselves in. I thought I’d waffle as to my thoughts on this. It may help people find still and calm waters.
Wessenden Reservoir - Sunday 6th December 2020
Last year saw Brexit causing angst, this year a truculent US election, Covid 19, with Brexit rearing it’s ugly head; and we have Christmas coming up which can be a stressful time. I (and Claire my wife) decided to furlough myself in April until it became sensible and viable to work fully. Running a head hunting and consultancy business in the circumstances would have involved banging one’s head against a brick wall. Taking time off is what I did, and it may help people assess their own actions, or for that matter what they do next. But everyone’s journey is their own.
I used the time off to learn about myself, read and learn, and also spent time in the campervan with Claire on a trip around Scotland. The point being my business was still there, financially we were okay, ticking things over. I lived in the moment, not casting my eyes back or forward (this did not mean I cannot plan) and constantly asked myself, “what is the worse that can happen?” and “do I have problem now, not back then, or what may happen?” You cannot change what has happened, nor can you change what will come to pass. But you can enjoy the now. And that’s what I did.
One thing that I learnt was by how much I could reduce business and personal expenditure. Whilst also not panicking. Sometimes you just go with the flow. It always surprises me just how little you can live on.
Examine your personal and business expenses. Ask yourself, do I really need to pay for this? Is it a necessity or a luxury?
Don’t be afraid to cancel commitments like serviced offices across to subscriptions. You can always reinstate them.
Start to put money aside, even if minimal. It creates reassurance and gives you a buffer.
Accept that all of us are playing a “time” game. So, ask yourself the following:
Does my business work?
Does this job work? Am I happy, working well in this role?
Is my personal life a happy one considering the above?
If the answers to the questions posed sit in the positive then you have the ingredients for success, and can accept that you have to sit it out, and use your time constructively.
If the answers are negative, then maybe current events are nature’s way of bringing to a close one chapter of your life, or nudging you into making a change. Have a think about it? Believe it or not in times of flux, opportunities outside of your comfort zone can and do manifest themselves.
Waterfall and weir at Wessenden Moor - Sunday 6th December 2020
What is the worse that can happen?
Yes, yes I know, it is a cliched phrase. But it holds validity. When all about you is a maelstrom, just stop and ask yourself the question. Because when you do so, you reduce the anxiety and the catastrophising to neutral. And you also realise that there is always a solution, or acceptance of the situation. And this does not prevent you from holding a sense of calmness or equanimity about you, or living in the present. Take each hour, each day as they come.
Some useful reading
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. Now I don’t agree with all in the book, but for the most part this book teaches you how to live and enjoy the now, not being shackled by the past nor the future. It creates self awareness of one’s own focus in life.
The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg. A fascinating book that shows how we all work to routine and habit, and of how an understanding of this allows us to harness behaviours to achieve goals/plans, and personal fulfilment.
Why we Sleep by Matthew Walker. An absolutely fascinating book looking into sleep. Why would you want to read this? All I can say is it gives a valuable insight into the importance of sleep, how the mind works, and of how your looking after sleep and the mind reflects on your life.
Brun Clough Reservoir looking toward Diggle - Sunday 6th December 2020
So where do I find myself?
In all honesty, the time off suited me for a variety of reasons. And I never personally created the business to chase money, being more a question of enjoying life and helping others.
I now see myself ramping up the business in a sensible, soft, and considerate way. Being cognisant of the turmoil and hardship people are feeling and suffering.
I have sat it out and been patient and am still patient now. Things will improve and we will see changes. But out of adversity comes opportunity for change, and maybe you need a change?