Pandemic Silver Linings and Positive Psychology
The Pandemic continues to be quite challenging for most people. I am very thankful that there is a vaccine available, and grateful for all of the essential workers who have been working for the past year during COVID-19 to keep us safe and to provide us with needed services. During most challenging times, we can often reflect back and think about some good things that has happened. This is the silver lining, even as tragic as the pandemic has been.
Reflecting on this past year, which included things like moving my business Sarah Scala Consulting, to be 100% virtual, minimizing social gatherings, and spending time with my extended family through meals in garages, where we are spaced out (with great airflow!), I was able to identify some positive personal outcomes despite the chaos:
ENVIRONMENTAL SILVER LINING
Because I wasn't traveling for work for the past year, I reduced my carbon footprint, emissions, fuel and vehicle expenses. I also saved time that would have been spent commuting to client sites in 14 states and 5 countries.
BUSINESS SILVER LINING
The pandemic and working from home has also given me time to explore and experiment with different services and niches to focus on for my business. This includes coaching LGBTQ leaders, working with more ESOP and BCORP clients, and doing more virtual speaking engagements and designing digital courses.
OUTDOORS SILVER LINING
Over the past year, I have put my gym membership on hold due to COVID restrictions. As a result, I kayaked more miles this past year then I have in a decade! One of the safe social distance activities that I have been able to do along with some of my friends is to paddle. I rode my bike a lot more this year as well. In an effort to maintain my health and well-being, cycling was a way to escape my house, and explore different towns and neighborhoods in both Boston and on Cape Cod.
This winter, I have hiked and snowshoed more and discovered local parks and trails that we never knew about! My new favorite being Great Brook Farm State Park, where I am enjoying cross country skiing and snowshoeing this winter.
LEARNING SILVER LINING
I have had more time to read, reflect, and practice mindfulness. I am journaling more frequently, and reading more books in the time I would typically spend traveling for work.
I have also had more time time to practice my trumpet. I have silver trumpet, and love to play jazz and big band music. I practice at home while listening to other bands play on my headphones.
These are the my silver linings during these difficult times, and I am very thankful for the joy that they bring me. I continue to coach, teach and speak about Optimism, Resilience, and Grit to help others find their own silver lining.
What is your silver lining during this COVID-19 crisis? Comment below.
Self-learning on this topic? Check out our new Digital Course Optimism, Resilience and Grit: Sustaining Success at Work and Home.
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About the Author:
Sarah Scala is a senior talent management leader and executive coach with 20+ years of experience providing organization development, change management, and leadership development solutions for diverse global and local industries. She She is a collaborative consultant, coach, and educator supporting performance transformation of executives, leaders, and teams. Sarah is a methodical, results-driven leader recognized for helping clients reach their highest potential, increase revenue, reduce turnover, elevate business profitability, build competencies, and improve performance.
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