I had a really bad day recently where I broke my “news diet” rule and checked my phone first thing for Covid-19 news as I woke up from bed. I read all the latest to immediately catch myself up. I then paid the price with waves of physical anxiety, chills, that I was convinced for a few hours I HAD it. I told my kids’ to not use the bathroom on the main level, I texted my wife that I had it, and I’ll be staying in the guest bedroom.
That was about 2 weeks ago. I’m still here and those symptoms went away – “It was all in my head”.
The next day I avoided the news completely until about 2 in the afternoon after all my productive and creative time was over. I followed my typical news diet rules of limiting my news intake then to 7 minutes, then I was done for the day.
I’ve done what I can do, I’m observing social distancing, greatly limiting our trips out of the home, and making sure my family is fed and cared for. What is going on outside my walls I have no control over so I’m going to greatly limit how much of it I allow into my life.
I do like to read and research, and many of my go-to websites are filled with Covid-19 stories, but they’re of a different sort.
They’re of how companies are dealing with them, how they are supporting their employees, how businesses can take advantage of the stimulus efforts, how new technology is helping, of new testing devices, DIY solutions, entrepreneurs creating new things in the face of everything. It might still be Covid 24/7 but it’s a lot better for my mindset than the latest testing numbers and death counts.
I’m also surrounding myself with people who are also surrounding themselves with inspiration, innovation and solutions. In the past week I’ve had 5 conversations with new contacts, I’ve hosted multiple Zoom meetings facilitating the exchange of ideas, and continued work on some ideas I have for 2020.
This article is a part of that. What is working for me, and what can I share with others. Thanks for being a part of that.
I don’t consume any news or information through algorithms or social media. I have bookmarks set that I visit when I feel like it.
Here are some links to my most visited websites for reading:
wired.com
inc.com
entrepreneur.com
forbes.com
fortune.com
goodnewsnetwork.org
arstechnica.com
theverge.com
gizmodo.com
zdnet.com
I’m curious what ways you are keeping yourself motivated these days?
I’m fortunate that prior to this covid-18 event I had already positioned myself for success with exercise, a solid daily routine, removal of stress-inducing television news, and an abundance mindset with my giving and support of others in my life.
My physical goals include daily walks, bike rides and swimming with endurance open water events. It’s a practice that yields tremendous results on the my mental health, composure, and emotional strength when dealing with any issue. At one time, I thought our body housed the brain and was a mobility unit for our thoughts. I had no real understanding of the importance on movement and thinking processes. Now, I do.
We are lucky in that we removed televisions from our home 18 years ago and immediately realized benefits in thinking and morale once we stopped ingesting madness. I’m certain that my business would not have survived if I continued to consume the news as I did almost two decades ago.
An abundance mindset is strengthened with acts of sharing. This week, we donated three 1-year scholarships to Prayasam and Amlan Ganguly in Calcutta, India to support three children from the West Bengal slums. These little girls of 11 are currently working in brick kilns to aid support their Bangladesh migrant families in India. These scholarships will allow them to leave the brick kilns manual labor and attend school. They may play soccer for the first time due to Amlan’s efforts. This effort did not begin with covid-19. I’m fortunate that the choices I made prior to the event happen to coincide with our latest round of gifts. We anticipate additional donations to Prayasam later this month and hope two more kids can leave the brick kilns.
I’m also putting together a worksheet and free zoom course for my friends, family, and customers that share my ability to succeed and build companies even in times of trouble. I’m calling this effort the Treasure Chest Strategy and will host the call later this week for the group.
Also, I’m teaching my daily use of Trello.com, Todoist, Evernote and google worksheets to achieve my focus and success with my priorities and projects with a GTD focus to a few personal friends and colleagues.
These actions combined – exercise, limit the news, practice abundance, and helping others help me to thrive when others are seeking comfort from the stress of the day’s events.
Thanks, Tim, for sharing this with me but also with the readers of this blog.
I really appreciate that you’re a part of this.