Here are 5 Opportunities the Coronavirus has Given Us
How are you holding up? I seem to teeter back and forward between courage and fear. One on hand, I see the beginning of a long and windy road ahead of us. I see how this virus is drastically affecting billions of people across the globe; I see the ripple effect and I pray for the world.
I also do my best to see the tremendous opportunities this virus has given us. Above anything else, COVID-19 is giving us time; and time is one of the most valuable resources you can give to humanity.
When given adequate time, humans always arise to the challenge. They grow inspired and highly creative, they are able to renew themselves and transform their experiences.
Whatever you do, don’t. go. stale.
Be proactive and use this period of downtime to your advantage.
The Coronavirus *could* be the best thing that ever happened to you.
Here are five golden opportunities that Coronavirus has given you:
Build Your Personal Brand
I have already written a hundred and one reasons why you should build your personal brand.
All you need is one.
Perhaps, you want to brand yourself as an industry expert? Maybe you want to gain more credibility in a particular niche? Maybe you want to work with brands and write for publications?
Everyone wants more customers. Everyone wants to work with dream clients. Everyone wants to get paid for they are, and not just what they do.
Personal branding = ultimate freedom
The only prerequisite you need to build your personal brand is a desire to communicate who you are and be understood by the world.
That’s it.
“I am building my personal brand” is just another way of saying, “I’m becoming intentional about my online presence.”
So, what does this look like for those of you who may be getting started? There’s a link for that.
If you’ve ever thought about building your personal brand, but haven’t had the time to get started, now is your golden opportunity (delivered in a pretty package with a red bow waiting on your doorstep).
Don’t waste this.
And remember, use me as a resource. I am here to help you!
Define Yourself as a Leader
I challenge you to be a leader in your online community. Practice discernment. Remain hopeful. Those with a strong personal brand have an opportunity to foster connection with your online community at a time when it is desperately needed.
Social distancing can feel lonely and isolated, but that’s what social networking is for. You can use your own personal social media profiles as a vehicle for love and encouragement.
As leaders, service is at the heart of everything we do. So as the novel Coronavirus begins to have a greater impact, ask yourself, “How I can serve my audience during this time of uncertainty?”
Here are some ways you can use your personal brand for good:
Are you a coach or consultant? Offer a free 20-minute consultation to anyone who may need the extra support. You can make an offer on your IG stories.
Write a thoughtful Blog post, Instagram caption, or LinkedIn post about what you’re feeling or experiencing right now. Ask people to join in for a discussion.
How are you choosing to make use of your down time? Share some of your favorite books, podcasts, or Netflix shows with your audience.
Create Your Dream Routine
Yesterday evening I pulled out my journal and notebook and doodled what my dream routine looks like.
I suppose I love the feeling of consistency. When so many things are uncertain and out of our control, following a consistent schedule has a cumulative, strengthening effect.
I see this down time as an opportunity to create the schedule you have always wanted. You now have an opportunity to try things you wouldn’t normally have time to do.
For example, you’ll see that I’ve allotted one hour a day for me to learn a new platform: TikTok. Normally, I wouldn’t have time to learn a new platform and start creating new content. Now, I can! What will you do with the extra few hours you may have gained back now that you’re not working from the office?
Foster Deep Connections
Our country has been divided for so many years, but now we all have one common enemy: COVID-19.
As devastating as this Coronavirus has been to our infrastructure and economy, there’s something beautiful about people coming together in times like these.
It dawned on me this morning…
I could be speaking to anyone in the world—at any given time—and no matter who they are, and what they have been through, we share something in common. We are experiencing the same thing.
We likely have the same fears, desires, and uncertainty about the future. I suppose in some twisted way, this makes me feel more connected to humanity than I have in a long time.
It makes me think:
We’re not so different after all.
Now is the opportunity to strengthen your relationships and foster deep connections with your online community. Call a friend who you haven’t seen in a while, reach out to that person on Instagram that you’ve always wanted to, and make yourself available to those who need extra support and encouragement.
Practice Self-Reflection
There is pain, there is suffering, and there are triumphs happening all around us. I believe the Coronavirus will leave an imprint on our world forever.
However, I encourage you to spend some time reflecting on what’s changed for you. How is this impacting your life? Are you scared? Hopeful? Anxious about what the future holds?
Write down your thoughts. Document this experience in its entirety. You will want to look back on this one day so you can understand the gravity of what we’ve experienced.
Self-awareness is the foundation of emotional intelligence. As you begin your journey of self-reflection, understand this is an opportunity to learn more about who you are. How do you handle a crisis? How do you act when you’re scared? Who are you in the face of fear? Now is the time to find out.
The ability to monitor our emotions, without letting them overwhelm us, is key to understanding ourselves better and making smart decisions for our life.
So my friends, when everything feels uncertain, find certainty in the opportunities that lie before you. These are tangible. They are real, and they are available to you so as long as you have the courage to reach for them. I’m with you every step of the way.
