Anytime adversity hits, it’s too easy to find something to complain about. Case in point, it was too easy to be negative over the 15-month lockdown during the pandemic. So, let’s focus on the positive things that came out of 2020.

A very good friend posted an article on Linkedin, asking the same question, which got me thinking, what have I learned during the pandemic. Here’s what I learned.

1. Myers Briggs was Right.

Every Myers Briggs personality test I’ve taken tells me I’m an ENTJ. If you’re an “E,” you know you get energy from interaction with other people. There were times I really needed that energy boost. And I love my dog, but she just didn’t bring me the energy I required.

I managed with a lot less personal interaction, but given the choice, I would much rather be around people as often as possible.

2. Assess and Adapt

Fifteen months ago, almost everything changed, how we worked, how we played, how we connected with other people.

Work:  Because I give a lot of CEU AIA presentations, I had to “Up” my presentation game, I spent a solid week to look and deliver the most professional CEU possible.

Play:  After much consideration, I determined that walking was the best exercise available, so why not mix in a round of golf with that! Think about it, you’re more than 6’ apart, getting plenty of exercise and enjoying the outdoors. I don’t like golfing while riding in a cart.  There are many good reasons to walk 18 holes. The biggest one is, after the 25 rounds of golf we played last summer, none would take more than 3.5 hours – golf carts slow down the pace of play.

Connect:  I’m very involved in my Church, which is to say that my best friends and social network are all connected to my Church. The short answer is, I really miss my friends, we stayed in touch through Zoom calls, but it just wasn’t the same.  We’re now getting back to meeting again.

3. Value Everything Valuable

If nothing else, we’ve all had time to reflect on what’s important. Most of life’s distractions were removed, which allowed each of us to learn what’s really valuable.  You know it’s not money, it’s not material and it’s not status. What’s important is the value you bring to others! Think about it, money, material and status are all about what you want. What you give is far more rewarding than what you want. For the most part, find your unique value, and find a way to add that value for other people. You’ll never be the same.

My 2-Cents.