Across the world people are on lockdown – stores are closed, “Shelter in Place” orders have been given, people are stuck away from work and their paychecks. As much as we can enjoy more time with our kids (human or pet), work on projects, or try to get healthier, there are real and painful difficulties to this whole situation.
As these lockdowns get extended, some indefinitely, it’s not too late to make the most of this time. Let’s talk about building new habits, working out from home, and choosing to do more and new things with life, but first we must address the difficulties.
Work from Home and Side Hustles
For those who are out of a job, even temporarily, this is a particularly stressful time. The stimulus check should help, but this time can also be a time for building new income streams. Even if they don’t fully replace your regular job they are things you can start working on to offset the loss, and maybe keep running (as a ‘side hustle’) when things get back to normal.
Side Hustle Nation is run by Nick Loper – an entrepreneur who “side hustled” his way out of his job and into freedom.
Nick just did a good “bonus episode” on the Coronavirus. He talks about the difficulties in this time but also things we can do to make the most of it. Better yet he points out several other episodes he’s done that list out side jobs you can get into right now to start making some extra money.
Pat Flynn says he accidentally created a niche site and the rest is history. He’s been doing this for years and is a treasure trove of resources for building your business.
C Pat and his team have put together a great resource page with some free materials during COVID… use this to get motivated and get started:
Andrew Warner has a ton of interviews and resources for entrepreneurial wisdom and motivation.
Life, Fitness, and Goals
All of that said, now’s a great time to put any other plans or goals in place. You’ve always wanted to start a business? For many people now is the time! (Look at those resources above.) What about weight loss goals or healthy eating? Family always tripping up your efforts to have healthy food? Now they are a captive audience!
I realize each family has unique challenges – managing children’s education from home is nerve rattling for many. Nurses, doctors, and other healthcare workers are working extra hours, and the stress of losing jobs, even temporarily, is a tremendous burden on the spirit.
But – set aside a few minutes to take stock. Really look at your time, talk with your lockdown family (whoever it is you are stuck with), and jot down a small list – 1 to 3 things – that you would like to do during this period.
Sure, many people are doing odd jobs and project – we sure are! We got our basement cleaned up in the first few days and we’ve been wanting to do that for years! The biggest things you can do, though, are set in place habits that will have a broad impact across your life. Cornerstone habits, if you will.
Here are just a few examples of things that, done each day and formed into a habit, can help change your life for the better:
- Get up an hour earlier than normal (making room for all the things you want to do in your life)
- Go to bed an hour earlier than normal
- Work out for 30 minutes each day
- Meditate for 15 minutes each day
- Spend an hour playing a game with your family
- Set aside 1 hour each day to work on a side business
- Journal every morning and evening
- Work on writing your book for half an hour every day
Not all of these are cornerstone habits for everyone, but these are all things that will have a huge impact. I included writing and side business because for some people, where their dream is to run a business or become an author, these are cornerstone habits. You don’t have to jump in with trying to make it all happen at once. Can you set aside 15 minutes or half an hour somewhere in your day? Make it happen.
There’s no getting around that this is a difficult, trying, anxiety-ridden time for many, but it can also be a gift – the time where you change the course of your life, where you connect with your family, where you make yourself into the person you’ve always said you wanted to be. There are less excuses now, and more time – so make the most of it.
Want some more tips on making goals and putting together the steps to reach them? Check out our article: Digging Deeper on Your Goals
Matt
He has his black belt in Tae Kwan Do Chang Moo Kwan, has studied various other styles of martial arts, including ba gua chang, jiu-jitsu, and is actively studying Israel Combat System at Masada Tactical.
Matt strives to learn and grow in exercise and performance while fighting his constant desire for ice cream. He has also discovered the wonders and kool-aid of Crossfit - a style of workout that he has done for years but never realized someone had formalized already.
He is a certified USAW coach and consumes fitness and nutrition information regularly. He uses his analytic background and mindset to synthesize insights on life, health, and fitness.
Latest posts by Matt (see all)
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