It’s time.
Now is the time for greater influence and impact through action. Consciousness, contemplation, and discussion through this season of chaos and isolation have elevated our understanding of the systematic flaws in our economic engines, institutions, and our relationship to the planet. We’ve been forced into reflection and become more aware.
Awareness is a mere pleasantry if not put into collaborative and unified action. With all major streams of our lives disrupted, some crippled, and others devastated, the great question is, do we have the appetite and strength to take action?
Are we ready?
Clearly, we have crossed the chasm into a new era. Value is being rediscovered for some and redefined for others. Our purpose and values have been exposed and tested as all facets of lives and livelihood paused and intertwined for an extended period. We all felt the need to assess our interpretation of meaning, and envision what the next chapter will hold.
What will change? What has changed? What do we believe to be true? What’s important? What choices will we make?
If everything in the past era was working, there would be no need to reevaluate and choose to create new. There would be no compelling reason to change anything; to fix what was broken. We would simply enact a plan to restore the previous state. We know this not the case. Pursuing a restoration path will be a grave mistake.
Somehow, we cling to the illusion of normal. “Back to normal” or “new normal” are cringe-worthy statements that provoke a guttural rejection for me. I’m not certain ‘normal’ even exists, but I am certain I am not that, and I’ve never experienced it.
We now understand how intricately connected we are. The labels and false boundaries that divided us were far less important than the commonality. Our opportunity to unite became heightened. We discovered the importance of intellectual agility, as our emotions came to the surface and we operated in a constant state of uncertainty, realizing that resisting change was not an available choice.
We discovered our resiliency, our gratitude, and priorities.
The opportunity and critical steps now are to progress and create positive change with the understanding gained from this experience. The pressure valve will release for us personally, yet we have the responsibility to apply pressure against a return to status quo.
A few things to consider and remember:
- You own the narrative for your own life
- Your values matter and you are worthy, so align with your beliefs
- A growth mindset is necessary, which is a process and practice and choice
And here are some ideas to set the foundation for moving forward:
- Write down your thoughts and experiences
- What was challenging
- What was good
- What surprised you about yourself/others
- Biggest lesson
- What missed/not missed
- Understand different perspectives
- Discuss with teammates
- What was their experience/perspective/perception
- What are the common beliefs to carry forward
- Discuss with teammates
- Capture ideas for improvement
- Plans, actions, programs, processes
- Expectations, measures, and communication rhythms
- What can you/team stop doing
- What can you do more
- Be expressive with strength in communication
- Share these learnings and feelings openly
- Remember
We can slide back or move forward. It is a choice. It requires intention and commitment. Your experience is real and valuable. It is also different in some ways than others. The invitation to explore all of our varied perspectives, understanding that even in a situation that is the same for us all, we experience it differently, is one of the key foundations for creating healthier, happier, and more inclusive and productive environments.
It’s Time. Let’s go forward with clarity in vision and resolve to be better.
“Awareness is a mere pleasantry if not put into collaborative and unified action.”
My dad – who came of age during the Great Depression – could be no nonsense, no B-S, straight-to-the point at times. As he would say, “Talk is cheap.” So I’m committed to taking a “small step” on the project we discussed. Maybe with whomever I can drag along as collaborators, it will become a “giant leap.”
Truly amazing and inspiring Mike Vacanti !! That is how can Humanity can truly move forward and can be transformed into so much larger a special.
I say that right now Mke Vacanti that the Rise and Next Renaissance of Humanity is here now.
The question becomes, what role we will play going forward !!
#IfIHelpYouYouHelpMeThenWeHelpWe #BringingHumanityTogether #VoicesOfHumanity #HeartForHumanity #Believership #HumansFirst
Great questions and fantastic read here Mike…
One of the first things I keep thinking about when I hear people refer to back to “normal” is that
what was normal in a general sense..was just not working. I think it is addressed as a reference as to a way of life and what they interpret “ normal” to be.
In a personal sense I never saw myself as “normal” and always wondered what it really was. Exposure to the environment around us only allowed me to see more often than not, there is no such thing as “normal” on a whole..but rather it was something you felt comfortable with and described as “normal” for you in your way of life.
With our forced confinement.. and it was forced.. we had no choice but to face this comfortable way of life we strive for…although some still chose to let others do the thinking for them and tell them what their normal should be. Those who think for themselves have been tickled further to try and make more out of this and want to turn that thinking into action.
“ do we have the appetite and strength to take action?”
If anything the resistance to change has never been more defeated as it has during this time. When forced to find a new way of life in order to survive, people will adapt.
Now is the time to act…
I share this statement of mine from a while back, it comes to mind here…
“There is a threshold of time that elapses where all is lost
To act on a precious moment is to gain beyond cost”
Thank you for this great article full of so much wisdom, thought, compassion and help.
It is motivating and inspiring. I hope the right choices are being made by many,
Have a great week Mike and thank you!
Paula
Mike, you know I love your message and encouragement for us all to embrace this moment for reflective pause, and to move from awareness and insight to taking action to create greater impact. As we move forward with open hearts, greater intention and commitment to be and create better for all, we will create “what’s next” rather than succumb to it.
Thank you for this engaging article, Mike. Having lived a life of persistent chaos and change, I know the benefits of practices that support underlying values. I know the benefits of resilience. I understand the importance of aligning and remaining committed to your deepest values, which for me include self-awareness, compassion, courage, and contribution. I appreciate that you allow for all the ways that each of us may have been impacted by the pandemic-because some have had their lives turned inside out while others only slightly modified (and everything in between). Being able to adapt and engage a dynamic equilibrium as well as practice radical acceptance of what are truths right now (for instance, there are many, many people who have died in our country and the world) will allow us to keep moving through with open, grieving hearts, open minds, and a rich appreciation for this precious life we are gifted every single day we wake up to a sunrise or the pouring rain, a snow storm, or a tsunami of challenges.
Great reflection points Mike. I agree with the statement “understanding that even in a situation that is the same for us all, we experience it differently,” This is so true and we need to respect how everyone is going through this.
I love the dialogue this encourages and the connection that is sure to follow, Mike!