We are most definitely living in unprecedented times. 2020 has been jam packed with challenges for us all. I’m sure none of us could have predicted there would be a global pandemic that would cripple countries economically, and unfortunately kill hundreds of thousands of people. We are living in an entirely different world.
This pandemic has forced us to change the way we live our lives. It really has brought things into perspective and has shown as what is important in life. Throughout my experience of the pandemic, quarantine, and social distancing, I have had plenty of time to reflect on what really is going on, and what I want for my future.
If you really want to make a change and live a better life after the pandemic, reflect on these 3 powerful lessons:
Life Is Short.
As depressing as it may be, none of us will live forever. Some people genuinely act as if they will live forever, and this is a trait we need to get rid of.
If you think you will live for ever, you will exhaust valuable time and energy on things that do not matter to you or your goals, because you do not truly appreciate the value of time. You will worry about things that you cannot control, and live in fear of what may go wrong if you never take action.
This pandemic has highlighted just how fragile and unpredictable life can be.
Life is too short to just stroll through haphazardly. Don’t waste your precious time waiting for the elusive day when you have the ‘right’ resources to achieve your dreams.
Use what you have now, and start chasing your dreams today. The reality is most people will go to their graves without every experiencing all that life has to offer them. The worst thing that can happen to someone is taking their dreams to the grave yard with them.
“The wealthiest place on the planet is the graveyard, because in the graveyard we will find inventions that we were never exposed to, ideas, dreams that never became a reality, hopes and aspirations that were never acted upon.” – Les Brown
Failure Happens.
People are so scared of failure.
Do not let the fear of failing keep you from going after your goals and dreams. Do not let it keep you hostage. Failure is a part of life, it is natural. When failure happens, identify what caused it, deal with it, learn from it and push forwards.
The greatest in every field has failed, probably numerous times, on a drastic scale but what makes them great is that they pushed on, they learnt from the experience and they succeeded.
Failure can help us learn things about ourselves that we never knew. For instance, failing can help highlight how strong of a person we are in the face of great adversity. It can help us hone our peripheral vision to see other opportunities that we would have missed without failure.
Sure, failure can be seriously painful, but it will happen, it is inevitable. When we learn that failure is not an identity, just a pitstop on the long journey to success, we can embrace failure and use it as a stepping-stone to our success.
“I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life… that’s why I succeed.” – Michael Jordan
Leave The Negative People Behind.
Some people complain and gripe about absolutely everything in life and appreciate nothing. These types of people will drain your energy and deplete your enthusiasm if you allow them too close to you.
As we previously mentioned life is short. It is too short to spend it around people who live in a perpetual state of negativity. Every single word that leaves their mouth is doom and gloom. Every time you encounter them, they have nothing positive to say.
It is really difficult to think forward when you are constantly surrounded by negative energy. Seek out the positive people in your life who can encourage and motivate you. Decide today that you won’t allow negative people to determine your emotions and actions.
Here are some reasons why it’s important to leave negative people behind:
- Your mental health: Negative people can be toxic and their constant negativity can impact your mental health. If you’re constantly surrounded by negativity, it can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
- Your personal growth: Negative people can hold you back and prevent you from reaching your full potential. Surrounding yourself with positive and supportive people can encourage you to pursue your dreams and achieve your goals.
- Your relationships: Negative people can be draining on your relationships. If you’re constantly surrounded by negativity, it can strain your relationships with friends, family, and romantic partners.
- Your happiness: Ultimately, the people you surround yourself with can impact your happiness. By leaving negative people behind, you can create a more positive and fulfilling life.
It’s important to note that leaving negative people behind doesn’t necessarily mean cutting off all contact with them. It can simply mean limiting your exposure to their negativity and prioritizing relationships with people who uplift and support you.
“If you cannot be positive, then at least, be quiet” – Joel Osteen
Other Notable Mentions:
| Lessons We Have All Learned from COVID-19 |
|---|
| 1. Importance of Health and Well-being: Prioritizing our health and taking proactive measures to protect ourselves and others. |
| 2. Resilience and Adaptability: Adapting to new circumstances and finding innovative solutions to overcome challenges. |
| 3. Value of Community and Connection: Recognizing the importance of social support and maintaining connections, even from a distance. |
| 4. Preparedness and Crisis Management: Understanding the need for preparedness and effective crisis management strategies. |
| 5. Gratitude and Appreciation: Cultivating gratitude for the little things and appreciating the moments of joy and togetherness. |
| 6. Digital Transformation: Embracing technology and leveraging its capabilities for remote work, education, and communication. |
| 7. Global Interconnectedness: Realizing the impact of global interconnectedness and the importance of international cooperation. |
| 8. Environmental Awareness: Recognizing the positive impact of reduced human activity on the environment and the need for sustainability. |
| 9. Flexibility in Daily Life: Embracing flexibility in work, education, and personal routines to accommodate changing circumstances. |
| 10. Importance of Reliable Information: Understanding the significance of accurate and reliable information in making informed decisions. |
Final thoughts.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges and changes to our lives. However, amidst the difficulties and uncertainties, there are valuable lessons that we can take away. The pandemic has taught us to appreciate the little things in life, to prioritize our health and well-being, to adapt and be resilient, and to cherish our relationships and connections.
As we continue to navigate through the pandemic and beyond, let us carry these lessons with us and use them to create a better, more compassionate, and more fulfilling world.
What is the main lesson you have learnt from this pandemic?
