Listen to the audio version of this post here.
You hear people talking about lemons and lemonade … rainbows in the aftermath of a storm … and the search for the silver lining.
I’m on board with the effort to look at the bright side when things are bleak. I always say it’s in my blood. (My friend and former business partner Karen Hand still laughs when I mention my blood type is, after all, B-positive.)
And … I have to tell you; I’m having a hard time with this one. Seems like there are a lot of lemons right now. And precious little lemonade.
For some of us, the pandemic has already taken a devastating personal toll. We’re sick ourselves, or we’ve lost a family member or a friend.
Some of us are nervously working on the front lines, risking our own health and our families’ well-being to continue caring for sick people who are or may be contagious.
Others grapple with financial fall-out. Our businesses have cratered as clients cancel engagements and everyone hunkers down. Our jobs are eliminated—our work is deemed non-essential. Our kids—or our parents—need money that depletes our rainy-day funds.
And then there are the irritants, the things we sometimes mock as “first-world problems.”
Restless, frightened children at home testing our ingenuity and our patience. Appointments with dentists and chiropractors and allergists on indefinite hold. Personal services canceled because providers are closed. (It’s hard to argue that hair color is “essential” … unless you’re looking at that gray streak down the middle of your head.)
Where are we supposed to find a rose among these sharp thorns?
Here’s what I’ve come up with so far.
There’s a reason we have so many metaphors like April showers producing May flowers. The rose, the rainbow, the silver lining … they dovetail with our lived experience. Good things do emerge from bad ones, although it often seems to take an unreasonably long time.
Whatever else may arise out of a negative experience, it’s a pretty sure bet it will become a learning experience. Yes, seeds are being planted. And watered. And nurtured.
Always, no matter how bad things are, we have what I’ve long called “another f*cking growth opportunity.”
(I’m clearly not alone in this—the Urban Dictionary has a listing for AFGO. Just in case we want to text about what we’re learning.)
So, what does growth look like for you, as we find our way through this crisis-on-so-many-fronts?
With speaking engagements canceled and consulting clients preoccupied with things other than professional development, I have plenty of free time on my calendar. Why look—it’s a silver lining!
I’m using these un-booked hours to develop skills I just haven’t spent the time to master up until now. For me, this is all about technology and especially video.
I don’t like video, I don’t want to be seen on video, I get impatient watching video. And all the experts say (over and over and over) video is a must now for consultants, advisors, coaches and yes, speakers.
Newsletters are, by all accounts, becoming passé. Although I’m certainly glad you continue to enjoy this one, I should prepare for a future that doesn’t depend on people reading. Video, they say, is becoming the preferred way to stay in touch.
Plus, with IRL events out for who-knows-how-long, virtual programs and meetings and workshops are the wave of the future.
This intention to master making and editing videos is huge for me. This is my growth opportunity.
For openers, I set up a virtual dinner party with Karen and her husband—it’s not quite like sitting at the same table, but you can see we came as close as we could on Zoom. And yes, it did help with my Video Avoidance Syndrome.
And what about you?
It might be cementing family relationships with more frequent phone calls and FaceTime.
Maybe the opportunity is regular posting on social media to maintain your business’s presence and create connections with potential customers.
That book you’ve been saying you’re going to write? This is your opportunity to sit down and put pen to paper or pixels to page.
I’ve never been known as the queen of time management. This isn’t about productivity for me. It is about growing. Developing. Making meaning out of what is otherwise feeling pretty bleak right now.
You’re probably way ahead of me. Post a comment to tell us about the growth opportunity you’re finding … or creating.
Fucking awesome!!! Yeah!! the fact that I get to hear your voice …filled with your melodious tone, I get to hear information that is sent emphatically and is relevant.
Thanks for starting to use your fabulous gift again in the same yet different manner… Your voice changed the way I understand your message. I always enjoyed your message but I thoroughly enjoyed it today because you used the instrument that you are most well known for… I like this new format of Catherine Johns, I feel like you’re back! Thanks!
Thanks, Cindy. I’ve learned a big lesson here. I’ve been talking about adding audio to my weekly post for, oh, a year, maybe more. I didn’t know how to do it, technologically speaking, and I thought it would be too hard to figure out because I’m “not good with technology.”
Oy. I fished around on my laptop and there it is: Voice Recorder. It couldn’t be any easier to use. Push a button to start recording. Talk. Then push another button to stop. I was making it much harder in my mind than it needed to be.
It dovetailed with what I’d already written about opportunity and learning something new. I’m planning to do this from now on. And I’m so happy that you noticed and liked it!
Catherine, I don’t believe newsletters are passe. We are just becoming more selective. Jim
I hope you’re right, Jim. I know I read fewer of them than I used to. And a lot of high-profile people who used to send newsletters seem to have stopped. So it seems like a good time to branch out in terms of how I communicate and how I stay relevant.
I really needed this message today! Though my team is “somewhat-essential”, as our clients are people with mental health issues and the elderly, 99% of them are in facilities so we can only help those in their own homes. This has created an opportunity to get creative in our company offerings. All those “future projects” are being evaluated…the future is NOW! Thanks for your wonderful insight!
So glad it was useful for you, Sue. I get the sense it seems premature for some people to even be thinking about “the bright side,” whatever that might be for them. I know that I can sink into doom and gloom if I’m not intentional about it. So I’m really trying to see steps I can take to prepare for the future. And you’re right, it’s not that far away!
Catherine,
I absolutely loved the combination of your voice (you ought to have your own podcasts!) and the message within your newsletter. In fact, you have keyed in on one of the key success factors that digital media guru, Neil Patel, advocates: provide video (or podcast quality content) and add the transcript. The audience will then consume both if they are genuine and purpose-driven (that plus your message provides some value and benefit). As for your question about “growing”, I am taking the opportunity to produce more video content and have signed up for some college courses on Coursera. There is plenty of time available – on top of working 14+ hours a day for making a difference and contributing to the positives in our lives. BTW: your article title is awesome!
Thanks for your encouragement, Greg! This was my first article to include audio-version — it’s sort of a mini-podcast. I’ve noticed your videos on LinkedIn — you already had video technique down, of course, and I like these even better than the old ones. They’re shorter (I love pithy). They skip the produced intro (did I mention that I love pithy?) and while it was interesting seeing you in different settings (real, or green-screened) seeing you sitting at your desk seems more real somehow. It inspires confidence.
I can’t think of a better meditation to usher in a new month in our new normal ???? Maybe a new podcast is asking to be born? ???? Video is OK and podcasts and audio books are my favorite source of nourishment these days ????
Aw, Kathie, I love this. I’m going to include an audio option each week — sort of a mini-podcast. I hope other people find it nourishing too. Thanks!
I have learned how to participate in virtual meetings! This for me is a huge development. Calling myself technically challenged is an understatement. I am also more active with social media – another area where I need considerable help. I am creating a new structure for my world and am accepting the fact that things will change in my business – the hair industry. We are ramping up to reopen our SportClips salons and looking at what that may mean in a few weeks. Physically distancing will be a real challenge???!!! Be well and safe!
Good for you, Gale, going virtual. Yes, this is the time to embrace…or at least make peace with…technology. Last night I spontaneously recorded a quick video and uploaded it to a Facebook group, in spite of thinking, “I don’t know how to do that.” It’s surprising how we can figure things out, isn’t it?
Yes, I suspect a lot of things will change for all of us, when businesses begin to reopen. Meantime, I know a shaggy guy who’s missing his SportClips.
Agree Catherine. Like you, I am beginning to embrace and learn video technology. In the last three weeks my financial services business has transferred to a home based business.
And so we adapt, Chip. It’s a fascinating process, isn’t it? Here’s to you and your clients getting comfortable with this new way of doing things.
Hi Catherine,
I’m trying to keep a positive spin on the Shelter in Place. Now I have no excuse not to write.
When you listen to all of the experts of what we “should” be doing with our business, it gets overwhelming. I had the opportunity to attend the San Francisco Writer’s Conference in Feb. (I was able to volunteer and got to attend for free!) What I heard over and over was don’t try to do all of the Social Media outlets. Pick what you like best and concentrate on that one. And maybe add another when you’re comfortable.
I became acquainted with a publisher and she said social media is not as important as we once thought it was. Email lists and newsletters are making a big comeback. That was good news. I’d let mine slip thinking I should be doing all of these other things.
Even though I can’t do many of things things I would like, living in such a beautiful place now makes it much more bearable.
You’re so right, Joan — we can only do so much. And I hope you’re right about newsletters making a comeback. I’m proud to have written mine every single Wednesday for 5+ years now. I love the connections I’ve made and it thrills me when people respond. Still, I sometimes wonder if it makes much difference, business-wise.
You’re also right about having time to write now. If you start writing a newsletter, I’d love to see it!
Loved the audio! GREAT idea! I might have to steal that one!!!! You know, when the world returns to enough of a normal for people to go back to commuting…this is an absolutely invaluable addition! And…I love you on video too!
Thanks for the shout out. Can’t wait for our next virtual meetup!
Thanks, Karen. It’s sort of like a mini-podcast, isn’t it? And since people are always telling me I should be podcasting, I hope this will catch on. You’ll like this–I did my first Facebook Live today. It’s in a private group, I’m not quite ready for prime time. But it’s done and out there in the world. And it’s the third video I’ve produced in three days. I’m getting there …
Hi Catherine, I greatly enjoyed this piece. In fact, for some reason it brought tears to my eyes ( as well as smiles and positivity). It was my first reading of your blog and really hearing your lovely voice. (I havent lived in Chicago since ’76).
I look forward to more! Thank you!
Thanks, Karen. I’m happy to hear you liked it, and so glad we’re connected.
What a wonderful piece you wrote. And I know you to be the consummate optimist.
I am one as well.
The fruits that have fallen off the tree have never always been the sweetest. But that’s just a fact of life, an impediment, like a great big pothole crater you drive around so you don’t damage the tires and the wheel and the undercarriage and the axle and all of that.
Sure we are at a low point in our economy, and jobs are few and far between right now but it should be temporary. At least we’re not Venezuela. Not yet.
And this media thing with the box score death graphic during the news doesn’t put a delightful smile on anybody’s face, and every story seems to be screaming ‘we’re all going to die!’.
This, of course helps ratings, and the Xanax industry.
So what do you do? I’ll tell you what I do.
My television set has pretty much been in the off position since about 2014. It was a fine state-of-the-art 65 inch TV back then, and I’m sure there are quite a few miles left on it, but the major attention I give to the TV these days is dust it. Maybe a movie once in a while. If they were playing baseball, I’d be watching that.
Keeping the television off keeps you from buying into all the gloom doom and destruction. Not that the internet doesn’t have it, you can just avoid it quicker.
For those of you who know me personally, I have a deep faith in God. Not any one religion in particular, just the Bible. No, I’m not going to preach at you… simply give consideration to how I approach this.
I’m telling you that what works for *me* is that God gave me my life and even though He gave me free will, He knows exactly what choices I’m going to make along this journey. And so I’m all good with that, and I’m happy to be here, otherwise I would be nothingness from nowhere. There’s a point to this, so just stick with me here.
We are Americans. We have overcome so very much. We have done amazing things as Americans. Just when we think that we’re losing we find a way to win. We always have. And given the current constitutional set up, we always will. There is no country like us on the planet, there has never been any civilization like what we do. And we’ve done a pretty miraculous job with God’s help.
Many also have given lives for our country. That’s also just a fact of life. Your grandfather or your uncle or your great-uncle may have fought in World War II, or in Korea, or someone in your family’s lineage
paid the price for our freedom with their life in World War 1 and before. They may have been policemen, firemen, First Responders, and lost their life. They may have been construction workers building buildings and lost their lives. You’d be surprised at how many construction workers die every year.
In one way, or another, they have given their lives for our country. Or sacrificed their health and well-being for our country. Or sacrificed for your family and generations yet unborn. The sad news is that we’re all going to die in some way, however I have faith that
Jesus has a much bigger and better plan in the big picture later.
So what are you trying to say, Pat?
There are already people who have worked steadily through this, braving the threat (as small as it is) putting their life on the line for our country. And I think it’s time for many of us to go back to work, because if we don’t we’re going to sit here and rot. I would give my life for our country in this way, and I would suggest that more of us would suck it up especially when we have proven treatments that work yet we have to wait for a vaccine between 12 and 18 months, because we’re on the learning curve and we have to follow the science.
It’s time for each of us to do something bold… if we possibly can. We have to get this country’s economy back on track or we will crumble and people will die. Slowly.
Torturously. In short, it’s time to do something. To step up. To risk it for our country for our generations yet unborn.
I would give my life for this country, for this freedom, for this Liberty that we have here in America. Without a doubt. Because that’s what we do as Americans. We put it all on the line. As Americans we do great things because we take great steps. And these steps have to be taken now. Right away.
We also can’t just shut down the country every time something scares us into our holes. I think we’ve set out a horrible precedent for this. Can’t you just see this happening again and again and again? That kind of crap is going to destroy us. So it’s time to step up. And the reason I can… willingly… is because of the faith that I have that I talked about earlier. Big picture.
So while we are all Zooming, learning how to do things at home, and giving each other our social break when we go to the store – we have learned from this. We have learned to get along. We have learned to survive. We have learned to be nicer to one another. We have gotten to know so much that we wouldn’t ordinarily have known. And this is all really great.
And when the time comes to go public again, to work, to play, to shop, to travel, to interact with other people (and this better come soon),
maybe we can take some of what we have learned and carry on as the leaders that we really all are. The people who set these things in motion. The people who are cogs in this wheel who do what they do best until they learn to do something better and relinquish that particular cog to somebody else in this country, as we go on and on.
It’s time to be bold, America. It’s time that we thought about the big picture of it all. And I pray to God that we do that in a few short days.
And let’s never do this again. Ever.
Catherine, as you know, and I make no secret of it, I have High Functioning Autism (until recently known as Asperger Syndrome). And like many folks in the Facebook groups for adults with HFA/AS, I am not nearly as impacted by this social distancing as most neurotypicals (i.e. everyone not on the autism spectrum). Let me tell you why. I have been incredibly lucky to have an employer on the forefront of accommodating people like me. I have been working from home for over a decade now. My productivity is much better when I don’t have the maddening distraction of someone on the phone in the next cube or conversations from down the aisle. I don’t have the ability to filter out distractions the way neurotypical people seem to be able to do, so having control over my environment lets me focus and stay on task. Many of my team-mates are working from their homes for the first time. I haven’t noticed any change in the ability of my team members to collaborate or communicate, thanks to all the tools already in place at our firm. I am very lucky to be part of an essential team in a large, best of its class, company. I have not been impacted financially by the unprecedented changes to our nation’s (or indeed the globlal) economy, which is to say, I still have my job. I know this is so not the case for so many self-employed folks, entrepreneurs, those in the hospitality industry, dentists, hair stylists and barbers… and I believe it is absolutely the responsibility of our government to ensure that these hard-working people more than keep their heads above water during this unprecedented time.
Meanwhile, I hear from my fellow-autistic “tribe” that many companies very rapidly implemented telecommuting and other measures that they had claimed were “impossible” when it was autistic or other differently-abled people asking for these very same things. Funny how money talks so much louder than genuine needs of real flesh-and-blood employees. I am disgusted by the callous disregard of some companies (one that starts with an “a” and wears a big smile on its public face) for the well-being of employees they treat like “things” even under the best of circumstances. One would think a billionaire would trade a little profit for a lot of lives during a time like this just out of basic human decency.
The day-to-day social distancing really doesn’t impact me. The one person with whom I spend most of my time is right here, and she is my world now, just as she has been for the nearly 13 years we have been married. The majority of my human interaction beyond my wife is conducted just as it normally is, online. I feel for everyone who is used to gathering with others. I feel for people who are feeling stressed, isolated and alone and are finding it difficult to cope. I’ve been there myself during times of my life, due to the socially-isolating effects of my neurological difference. The good news is, it is possible to learn to cope. And unlike for me, this isolation is only temporary for the neurotypicals who will no doubt be out and about again a few months from now, I hope. Meanwhile, I just hope we all survive and nobody loses their homes, their loved ones or their livelihoods.
I am not always the most optimistic or cheery person, but I do believe we will survive, although I think we would all survive much better if we had had the good fortune of electing a competent leader rather than the malignant narcissist who appears to take perverse pleasure in the suffering of others. I hope good sense will prevail when the time comes to make a new choice. And when this is over, I look forward to taking my lovely bride out for brunch at Ann Sather’s, and dinner wherever she wants.
Hi Catherine, Like you, I am using this time to buddy up to video. I have purchased a green screen and stand. Had many zoom calls with friends and family, and have taken advantage of several learning opportunities to grow my business. I have also dusted off my keynote and brought it up to date. I like your audio podcast. Brings us back to your radio days. Hello to Frank.
Thanks, Cheryl. Glad you dig the audio version. Yes, this is a good time to learn some new skills and polish up some we already have. Some days are more productive than others, but I’m giving it a go to make the most of these inward-facing days.