Good News … You Will be Successful

I was worrying about my friends, my colleagues, my former colleagues. I was worrying about the COVID-19 impact on their jobs and futures. I’ve been through challenging economic times, downturns in the 80’s, 90’s, post 9-11, the Great Recession … layoffs, furloughs.  The words make me bristle, tense up. But there is a cycle to things, and this time will be no different.

What I learned from these times are: 

1. You will get through this.

2. Prepare. Really actively prepare for change. 

You Will Be Successful

How do I know this? Because … you will ever let yourself run out of options.

Regardless of your job security or insecurity, whatever you do, your position, or professional responsibility … change is in the works. Count on the change ahead, whether it’s your move or someone else decides:

• Maybe, deep down you want to do something else anyway

• Maybe, someone in your organization will unexpectedly decide to leave … creating opportunity

• Maybe, you’ve had a chance to explore a new passion or purpose recently

• Maybe, your company will restructure or reorganize post-COVID-19

• Maybe, you’ve loved working from home

• Maybe, it’s time for to grow up and move on

Explore options, create options. Have a Plan B … and maybe a Plan C.  You may never need it, or never want it. But have something in mind, and the time is now to think it over. 

You Will Be Successful

How do I know this? Because … you know there’s a need to prepare.

Now is a time to really, really … actively prepare. Financial and professional stress is amplified for everybody these days. There is uncertainty for all of us.  Everyone’s crystal ball is cloudy. We just don’t know how long this is going to last, we just don’t know what is next. Regardless, this is a time that requires preparation. 

Great challenges and great opportunity are ahead. Find someone to flush out your options with, to check your thinking on what’s next for you, and do some brainstorming.  Perhaps you have a mentor, coach, or a good friend that will do.  Play it out … what scenarios can you imagine. What do you need to be prepared for? And what will you do when the time comes? 

You Will Be Successful

How do I know this? Because … you are in control, you have a choice.

Think of a time that you were successful. Really successful. How did it feel? 

Why were you able to achieve that success? Maybe it was your first job, that first bonus check, that first promotion, the recognition that meant so much. What strengths have you leaned on to be successful in the past?

It’s terrific to feel successful, especially when you reflect on the effort to get there. The harder the work, the more rewarding the outcome. Your decisions led you to success. You are in control, and you’ve made good choices before.  You will do it again.

Take charge of what is happening around you … and to you.  Evaluate options, prepare and make some choices.

• Do not put this off. Procrastination cannot be an option. 

• Use Your Resources Wisely. Be smart with your time, money and effort. No Waste. No Excuses. 

• Manage this process. You are in Control.