When Plans Get Altered
There are so many ways known and unknown the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting our world and I can’t think of a better way to say this: it sucks.
For the vulnerable and the sick and the ones who’ve lost loved ones.
For the anxious and the underprivileged and for those without health care.
For the parents and leaders and decision makers.
For all—as all of our lives and plans and communities will be affected.
Nadia Boltz-Weber’s tweet this morning summarized what I’ve been thinking lately…especially when it comes to all of y’all, and the progress you’ve been making on yearly goals, and the challenges you’ve already overcome.
So, I want to first ask: how are you? How is it with your soul? What are you disappointed about? Where does your anxiety lie? Finally, what do you need? I want to hear from you, so let me know.
The truth is this: There are a billion things I do not know including how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting your life right now and what the next few months are going to look like. But I will share what I do know at this moment in time about how to continue to pursue your goals in the face of the unknown.
The Unknown is in the Fabric of All Future Goals:
In the very nature of what we do in life coaching, we have to account for the unknown. That’s why often we ask “What obstacles can possibly stand in the way of your action steps this week?” We assume the unknown, we plan for it, and we formulate a back up plan—just in case. And even then, something unexpected is likely to surface, and in that case we are prepared to break down the step even further, take it one day at a time, and readjust as needed.
Break It Down:
There’s always a way to break down an action step into smaller, achievable bites. For instance: It is officially time to plant my spring garden, but the forecast is calling for rain the next TWO weeks. Which means “Step 1: Break Up the Soil” simply can’t happen. So, what to do? I break it down more. I start researching more and planning my garden on paper. Maybe I read a book about gardening specific to my region. Maybe I grab some cups and soil & start my plants inside and wait out these spring storms. Or throw a tarp over my garden plot to keep it somewhat dry. There’s always a smaller step, another opportunity to take. Maybe you’ll share your plans with someone today and get an extra cheerleader. Maybe this is time to double back and perfect your approach a little better. Maybe this is time to check in on all those tiny projects you said you’d “get to later.” Maybe it’s a chance to identify other ways you can achieve the same thing.
Take It One Day at a Time:
I’ve been told patience is a virtue, but I don’t know anyone waiting around long enough to find out! Yet sometimes life throws us into a time of waiting—a time where we can’t do what we thought we’d be doing or we don’t have enough answers to take the next move. It’s in these seasons where I like to practice active waiting—meaning I see what I can do each day to get me one step closer to a goal. Taking it one day at a time means asking yourself, what’s within my power to work on today? How can I prepare now for what will come next? Or even what can I cherish now that won’t be the same once I complete my goal? This may look like a season of self care or rest before a busier season comes along. Or it may look like a time of soaking up knowledge and doing research. What do you have today & how can you use it?
Readjust As Needed:
Like Nadia’s tweet suggests somethings are simply canceled or not going to happen. What then? Well, maybe it’s time to readjust or reschedule. Maybe instead of having an art show, you start a website & display killer images of your work with a link to RSVP to a show in the future. Or if it was a long awaited trip or event, once you try to get your money back, readjust your expectations and plans. Is there another concert you’d like to see or a vacation destination that’s easier to get to. Or maybe you desperately need time away, what would it look like to rent a bougie hotel room in town & practice real self care? Hear me out, it doesn’t mean changing your plans doesn’t suck. It 100% does. But it doesn’t mean that you have to go completely without either.
Celebrate Your Progress So Far!
There’s always time to celebrate the progress you’ve made! If you’re feeling stuck, go back and look how far you’ve come. Read the rough first draft. Look through old pictures. And then have a mini dance party for yourself! Write down a list of attributes you love about who you are and who you’re becoming. Post a selfie or share with a friend!
Share the Wealth:
As we pursue our goals and grow, we naturally accumulate new skills and techniques and knowledge along the way. Take some time and write down your skills and experiences. Then consider how you can share this value with others? What do you wish you had known when you were in their position? What are some pitfalls you could have avoided? What are some benefits you didn’t see coming? Then ask yourself how to best present this information to others? Maybe you’ll type up an Ebook or course or vlog. Maybe you’ll start a website or just schedule a conference call with someone who could use this information.
