If the coronavirus pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that things function better when there’s a back up plan.
Before the back up plan is needed.
I’m not judging here either. I have back up plans out the wazoo. I design back up plans. Even so, the speed and breadth of the COVID-19 mess still caught me a little off guard. My preparedness clients had me scrambling to activate their emergency plans while I was trying to get my own going.
I’m well-prepared for ordinary disasters, but global ones overwhelm everything all at once. One day I’m planning a conference in Florida. The next day, everything is shutting down and people are going wild in the Toilet Paper Riots.
Now that we’re all settling in just a little and getting closer to a stable routine hopefully, I want to throw out a few ideas to maximize your time, for those of you that have downtime or need to find it. Depending on your segment and business, you might be busier than ever. I know I am.
Here’s a few ideas for the ultra-busy and those stuck at home with not as much to do.
Establish a daily routine. The advice is the same for quarantine as it is for military deployments, disasters, prison, etc. Routines help alleviate boredom, craziness, and panic. I’m establishing routines now that I plan on implementing even after this is all over.
Learn more. Now is the time to add continuing education into the mix. Take in and digest those videos, podcasts, and books you’ve put off for so long. Come out of this knowing more than you did going in. Now is the time to get that speaker or meeting planner credential you’ve been wanting.
Create quality family time. We’re all going to be spending more time at home with the family than before. This can get frustrating if you’re also working from home. Many of you are now forced into homescholing as well. Create quality time so that you don’t feel bad for the times you have to say, “Get away! You’re driving me crazy!”
Take some time for yourself at some point during the day. Don’t feel bad about private time. But you better carve that out or it won’t happen. Go ahead and pick a show you wanted to watch and corona-binge that sucker. I’m finally running through the Ray Donovan series myself.
Get outside. It may not be OK to go to a park or trail, but get outside somehow in a safe way. Inside all the time will drive you crazy. I’ve found that biking with a friend is an excellent way to practice social distancing and still get out.
Keep looking forward. I realize the year is shot. I went from a full slate of speaking and training engagements to nothing. Go ahead and plan next year. Book speakers. Line up venues. Plan everything with options for cancellations and get that in the contracts, but work as if next year will signal a return to normalcy.
That’s it. I’m done. Click play on Netflix and enjoy your show.
Dr. Dave, a speaker with no gigs (for now)
P.S. By the way, I am already booking next year. Call me.