Parting Thoughts
The Covid-19 environment is relatively harsh on established lifestyles. But it is also an opportunity. Looking back, there is a lot we can focus on that we miss. While we can savor every memory, looking backward will not be very useful in moving forward. The world has changed as a result of Covid-19, and we may not be sure in what ways specifically or over what time frame, but there is the wide recognition that the ‘New Normal’ will look differently from the past. In the same vein, trying to predict the future with precision is futile – no one could have expected this pandemic and its simultaneous global effects. Whether it results in a global recession, or a boom in consumer spending, or even shifts in the supply chain is left to be seen. Rather, focusing on the situation at hand, and devising strategies to effectively deal with the difficulties or benefitting from the opportunities would help you to build a significantly stronger tool-kit in preparation for whatever may come your way.
There is a quote that goes, “Anyone can give up, it’s the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that’s true strength.” It is widely recognized that performance is based (up to 90%) on mental resolve than it is on physical abilities. Ghandi alluded to this when he said, “Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.”
In this current reality, some people recognize the opportunities and are working on capitalizing on these opportunities as best they can. For others, our wills are certainly being tested, and being forced into isolation we have the opportunity to build our resolve. It takes constant effort, repeated attempts and recurring failure before we get it right. But ultimately it takes courage to admit failure and resolve to try again. Mary Anne Radmacher is quoted as saying, “Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, “I will try again tomorrow.” Who knows, from this entire experience, our greatest source of pain and strife can become our greatest strength.
This post was written by Faheem Mohammed – Managing Director of panCaribbean Ltd. He can be reached at fmohammed@pancaribbean.org