After the shock of a big change, that initial adrenaline starts to wear off and things start to feel really tough, and it's also when we need some practical mindset techniques the most!
1. Perspective
We know that this will pass. We don’t know when. We’re going to have good days. We’re going to have bad days. Maximise the good days and don’t deny yourself that wallow time that we all need during the bad days. Once we’ve had that little bit of wallow time, then we need to take a bit of proactive action and control to get back onto more of an even keel.
Recently for me, it was going for a four mile walk with the dogs and listening to a couple of my favourite development podcasts – yes, this is how I like to spend my spare time! Having a change of scene can be one of the most effective mindset techniques. It really did help to give me some of that perspective and remind me that yes, there will be rough with the smooth and that this will pass. We may not know when, but it will pass.
2. The Rule of 90/10
Unless we’re careful, we tend to focus and use most of our energy worrying about the 90% of stuff that just generally doesn’t happen. The bad stuff tends to happen for only about 10% of the time. It’s not about being Pollyanna. We’ve all had terrible things happen to us in our lives and we need to be prepared for the 10% that we have to overcome and face.
The huge learning point here is that we have a massive choice on what and where we choose to put our focus and our energy towards. It’s about choosing to focus our energy on what probably won’t happen or that we have no direct control or influence over.
3. Be kind
Be kind. Be kind to yourself and be kind to those around you.
There are a lot of ‘experts’ out there right now telling us that during this massive period of change and enforced lockdown, we have plenty of time on our hands. Time to learn a new language. Time to write that best-selling novel you’ve always dreamed of writing. Time to Marie Kondo your home.
Whatever.
There is no requirement to do any of those things. These are uncharted times. Go with the ebb and flow, be kind to yourself and others and do what you need to do to get yourself and those around you through this as best you can.
You’ve got this.
Watch my video for further support on these pointers and more mindset techniques for lockdown!
