Humanity
Well, what we in New York expected has finally happened. Governor Cuomo has ordered that all “non-essential” businesses must keep 100% of their workforce at home. I actually think it’s about time he did this. I hope it happens in all states, really. I think it’s better to take all the bitter medicine in one giant dose than a little bit at a time for weeks on end, while the coronavirus spreads even more.
I’ll add that I’ve been saying for a while that what is needed is this kind of measure, on the national level, to give the American public the confidence it desperately needs to know that this crisis too shall pass. Stop the virus, heal the economy. And our collective psyche.
I speak with people all over the country on a daily basis and most of them have already began working remotely over the last few weeks, so I don't think this will result in some nationwide mad dash through office building exit doors.
This morning, I was thinking how much I love coming to my office every day and how much I love the people I share the majority of my waking hours with. While we all suspected that this order was on the way, everyone is still very upset by it. Of course, everyone understands that this is out of necessity. But it sure does add to the anxiety that everyone is feeling. I am already dreaming about the day I could return. Return to normalcy. To routine.
Since the financial markets are open every day, I haven’t had that time to hang out with my kids and do fun things in the middle of the day like everyone is talking about on Facebook. Plus, my kids are all adolescents, which means keeping in constant contact with their friends is the most important thing in their world right now. My point is that it is my and my wife’s job to be an example of resilience for our kids. Of course, I want all of my clients, associates, and vendors to know that I have a fully loaded workstation waiting at home for me. I am also cloud based, so I have access to everything I need. My BCP (business continuity plan) has already been executed. Immediately after my 4:30 PM ET live stream, I will turn off all office electronics and go straight home. Monday will be business as usual, err, as close to usual as could be. Because I will miss getting coffee in our office breakroom and having casual banter with my fellow office peeps about our kids, business, sports, etc. But I am looking forward to lunches at home with my family. My fridge and freezer are loaded and I have plenty of propane to fire up the barbecue. Steak and burgers shall reign supreme!
Change is hard, which is why we avoid it until our current situation gets really bad. It’s why we say “I wish I would have done (fill in the blank) sooner”. Our routine has been thrown off big time. Our plans have been dashed. But I want to tell you that we will get through this. We will get back to our routines, but this time it will be with a renewed appreciation.
I want to share with you a tip to help you get through this situation. People have lost their sense of control. You and I need to focus on things we could control. You could control your new home bound routine. Give yourself and your family a meal schedule. A schoolwork schedule. You have control over what you watch on TV. If you’re in the business world, you could control how often you are in touch with clients and associates, so you could be ready to go when we get past this valley. Because we will get past it. If you know that, then you will not only survive this current moment in time, you will thrive when we come out of it.
All around me, I am seeing the best in humanity. My friend Greg, in Delray Beach, FL, posted on Facebook that he is available to pick up medications and supplies for anyone’s parents in FL. My friend Russ in Virginia told me about the people in his community who created a free street fair by putting extra food, games, clothes, paper goods, etc. on their front lawns for anyone who needs it. My friend Beth is using her live stream to share free tips about how to effectively use Zoom to help business people keep in touch with customers. I’m sure you’re seeing these acts of kindness where you are too. It’s wonderful. Now, don’t just watch it; participate in it. Drop off supplies or food at someone’s home. Check in with someone who lives alone. Nothing will help you get through this tough time more than making the world around you a better place. Because if you do participate in our shining humanity, when this crisis ends and it surely will, you will find yourself living in a better world. And you’ll say to yourself “I did this. Not later, not sooner, just now. And I’m beyond thankful that I did”
Thanks for reading,
Mitch
