I’ve always been a planner and for as long as I can remember, I’ve always had a weekly and daily plan that feeds the strategic vision (where I’m going), mission (how I get there), and purpose (why I exist) of my life.
It only makes sense since I’ve spent the last ten years of my life helping businesses create strategic plans for their future.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic broke loose I had to make some adjustments in the focus of my plans. Although I still spend the early parts of my morning reading scripture, journaling, praying, and exercising; the rest of my day has changed dramatically since the world went into “shut down” mode.
For example, I fixed two lights on the outside of our “barn” that hadn’t worked for at least five years. This past weekend I made sure our generator was functional–which I had not done for five years. I also cleaned the garage portion of our barn.
Since Jordan does not have his daycare program to attend, I’ve been taking turns with Lori in “homeschooling” him.
Lori is digging this new man that COVID-19 has created. 🙂
I’m also meeting with clients over the phone or through Zoom instead of in person.
My biggest and most advantageous change to my weekly plan was to add the listening to leadership podcasts while I walk the dogs.
Since the COVID-19 crisis has created uncharted territory when it comes to leadership, I have found it quite interesting in listening to leadership experts talk about how to best navigate through all the craziness associated with this pandemic.
One expert said the other day, “Most crises don’t last but a few days or maybe a week but because this event is lasting months, people are developing new habits. The habits are either going to be good or bad.”
As most of you know, it takes three or four weeks to develop a new habit or break an old one.
Which leads me to the reason for this particular post…
The opening quote came to me just prior to writing this blog as I have found myself becoming more intentional with my time…which I have a lot of…during this pandemic.
Most people who know me would think I am very disciplined–which I am but it only takes me a day or two to become a gluttonous sloth–which is why I’m disciplined–I know myself quite well.
In the early stages of this pandemic, I found that the uncertainties that it carried with it gave me a good excuse for simply “existing†through the day. I had put my habit of weekly planning on hold. After all, the news–which I was watching way too much of–made me feel as though the world was about to end.
Then I recalled what I had taught so many times in leadership courses over the years. I call it the “Medical Model of Stress” and for the life of me, I do not know its origin or else I would give credit to that person or organization. I picked it up at Aileron from my friend and fellow leadership guru, Dave Sullivan.
“Medical Model of Stress”
When we lack clarity and focus, frustration associated with uncertainty due to ambiguity and loss of control sets in. If we stay frustrated long enough it turns into stress and stress causes all kinds of chemical reactions to take place in our body…none of which lead to favorable results
As John Maxwell on Ryan Hawk’s “The Learning Leader” podcast stated the other day, “People are less stressed with bad news than they are uncertainty.”
COVID-19 has created more uncertainty in the world than ever before and it will overwhelm us with the negative impacts of stress if we aren’t careful.
The way I look at it, we can allow the uncertainty to paralyze us into becoming gluttonous, frustrated, stressed out sloths, or living lives with the intent of becoming better because we have a plan for each day even if the plan isn’t exactly what we thought it would be on April 22, 2020…plans that include fixing lights and cleaning garages.
Proverbs 6:6-8, “Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.”
P.E.A.C.E.
Jay@EagleLaunch.com
