The bright side

When times are hard, it’s especially important to look for the bright side, the silver lining, the glass that’s half full.

The medical, social, and economic crises behind and before us have seemed relentless and unending, but there are good things we can grasp and take with us to keep us moving forward with courage and enthusiasm as we begin to wind down this most challenging of years.

First, we can embrace and celebrate our shared humanity and concern for one another. The “rat race” has taken a valuable detour off road from a highway called “It’s not personal; it’s just business.” Our new world is and can continue to be more empathetic, more caring, and more personal.

Second, our virtual world has expanded everyone’s options and has somehow, maybe because of its physical distance, helped to bolster our connections in other, more personal ways. Those who were hesitant to go full-on virtual are finding it to be easier or more robust than they expected.

With many forced to pivot to find new ways to deliver their products and services, ingenuity and resourcefulness are beginning to shine through. Our own thought leader partners have been working hard to make their training solutions available virtually. People are being more thoughtful with their purchases and more intentional about supporting their local businesses.

What HR-analyst and trend observer Josh Bersin called “the big reset” last spring has forced us all to take big, deep looks at ourselves, our jobs, and our priorities in life.

In a way it’s as if we’ve all had a rare opportunity to say, “Stop the world. I want to get off.” And in the midst of that terrifying pause, we have discovered a new perspective, are adjusting our sails, and are ready to head once more into the wind.

Whatever is challenging you most right now, take heart and remember, there is always a bright side. May you find it and let it fill your sails.

One great thing

Checklists for Zoom producers from a training program we created called Backstage Magic

→ Go get one great thing!