Faith

When I was lining out my monthly blog topics, I had no idea what April 2020 would look like.  I knew Easter and Passover were happening this month, but I had no idea that COVID-19 would also be happening.  As this virus has completely overhauled our nation and the world, faith is more important than ever.

Now, as a believer in Jesus, I think that religious faith is very important.  And during this time, I have found myself seeking answers within my own belief system to understand how to respond during this crisis.  However, at this time, I think that the faith we need is much broader than just a religious certainty or belief.  

Merriam-webster.com defines faith in this way: “allegiance to duty or a person: loyalty; fidelity to one’s promises; sincerity of intentions…a firm belief in something for which there is no proof.”
 
I have wrestled with what it means to be faithful during this time.  Like many I have spent more time on Facebook, Twitter, and the News apps than I have in years.  Everyone has an opinion about the COVID-19.  Some think we have not responded enough, others that we have overreacted.  Some think that the disease is being taken too seriously, others that it is not being taken seriously enough.  
 
Honestly, I do not know.  I am not an expert.  I am not a doctor.  I am not a virologist.  I do not know if we have responded correctly.  I do not know how serious this disease is.  I do not know who is telling the truth and who is lying.  I do not know who is reporting accurately and who is not.  For the sake of my small business, my colleagues in business, and the plethora of “non-essential” workers who are currently furloughed, losing hours, and losing income, I wish I did have the answers.  
 
And I cannot even imagine the effect this is having on our health workers, doctors, National Guard members, and “essential” businesses and workers who still have to show up on a daily basis and face this crisis with so many unknowns and risks.  I can only say, “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for all you are doing to help during this time.”
 
But this is where faith comes in.  I have no proof, but I have faith things are going to get better.  I have faith that this time is going to sharpen our focus, enhance our awareness, improve our relationships, and recalibrate our lives.
 
Now this will not happen by itself.  During this time, I have wrestled to create a routine while at home with my wife and kids.  They each have their own work to do, but the interruptions are regular, the distractions are everywhere, and the desire to spend time together is great.
 
What I have found is that I have to get up early during this time even though I do not have a specific reason to wake up.  I have to take care of myself: I have to eat well, I have to exercise, I have to go to bed at a reasonable time, and I need to build in time for rest and relaxation. 
 
Before COVID-19, I was working 70-80 hours each week and rarely if ever had a day off.  This virus has put a pause on much of what I was doing, and I have realized how unhealthy I was for the past several months.  It has forced me to take care of my body and to be mindful of it and how to take care of it.
 
I also found that now more than ever I have to plan my days.  I have used the Full Focus Planner produced by Michael Hyatt for over two years now and for the first few weeks of the “shelter-in-place mandate I didn’t use it.  Why plan?  What can I do?  I knew I had a lot to do, but between my emotions and mindset surrounding the whole situation, I chose to give into my fear and not have faith that anything good could come from this.
 
But after a week or two, I settled down, buckled down, got focused, and started planning again.  And I planned more carefully, more intentionally, more pointedly.  I also upscaled my morning routine.  I started exercising again, I started meditating, and I started writing. 
As a result, I have been more productive, more focused, and have had a lot more energy.
 
I have faith we will all get through this.  We will have a new normal with new social norms and new expectations, but we will get through this.
 
I also have faith that our economy will rebound.  I recently read an article about a producer of medical supplies in Texas who is scaling up their production to fill some of the gap in the necessary supplies for hospitals and health workers.  I wonder how many other industries, businesses, and service providers could also thrive, expand, and grow during this time.
 
I have faith that you and your business can thrive during this time.  That is why I love coaching.  Coaching helps you discover your potential and become aware of what is holding you back.  Coaching empowers you to maximize your gifts and abilities and it holds you accountable to the growth and steps you choose to take.
 
If you want to find out how coaching can guide you during this crisis, feel free to contact me to set up a complimentary consultation today!  I look forward to helping you take your next steps and seeing how far you can grow!