The Covid-19 pandemic has brought to our lives a number of unsolicited changes many of which are non-negotiable. Working from home, wearing of masks and social distancing are just some of the “new normal” that a few months ago would never have entered our thoughts. But this Covid-19 pandemic has also presented us with a moment of self-reflection.
It brings into sharper focus the following question, are you running in the right direction?
As we pursue our dreams and aspirations, we scarcely take time out to reflect on the trajectory of our health and careers. When was the last time you had a health check? Do you have any underlying conditions that would make your immune system vulnerable to these new generation viruses? One of the conversations that Covid-19 has been elevated into the public domain is the matter of underlying health conditions and how they can increase our vulnerability to viruses. Truth is, many of us don’t know if we currently have any of these conditions. Periodic health checks coupled with good dieting are among the prerequisites for leading a quality life. Knowledge is powerful and part of this conversation with self needs to examine our own standing as it relates to our health and whether or not we are in good standing. It further serves to answer the provocative question, are we running in the right direction? and if not, how can we course-correct before it is too late.
The second aspect of our lives that we should examine in this moment is the direction of our careers. There has been a significant increase in the number of persons seeking to upskill themselves as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Chris Impey writing in a recent edition of the online magazine “ The Conversation” wrote, online enrollment has skyrocketed and was 640% higher from mid-March to mid-April than during the same period last year, growing from 1.6 to 10.3 million.” Pundits say many jobs will cease to exist once the pandemic has passed. So which jobs will be in demand and are you prepared to capitalize on these opportunities? This self-conducted job skills audit requires an assessment of what are the emerging job skills that are in demand and taking a decisive step to acquire these skills. Let’s take the area of Digital transformation which has been long talked about prior to Covid-19. This field has taken on increased currency as many companies have pivoted to embrace more digital solutions. Many retail outlets have introduced several digital options coupled with curbside pick-ups and home delivery services in order to stay relevant and meet their changing customers’ needs. Are you changing too by ensuring that you have a place in the post Covid-19 economy?
The current pandemic is a teachable moment for all and presents an opportunity to ask ourselves the question, are you running in the right direction? Our health and careers are precious to us fulfilling our “telos” in life. Charles Darwin once wrote: “It is not the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive but those who can best manage change.” If you are running in the wrong direction now is the time to change.
Gaile Sweeney is the Founder and CEO of Doctrepreneurs®, a professional solutions firm that provides entrepreneurship training and consultancy to Medical Doctors showcasing their innovation and share best practices in a single community as they build nonprofit, for-profit and social ventures globally.