How to build a better life during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and beyond: Part 3
Success doesn’t come overnight except with extreme luck. Rather, most success is but over a very long time, with small consistent steps, until suddenly the path is clear of obstacles. ~ Trent Hamm
In the last two weeks, we’ve continued to look at the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. First, we explored why, even though this didn’t have to happen, we have to accept that it did. And even though we’re all desperate for a secret weapon, exit strategy, or new vaccine, we’ve got a long road ahead.
Still, it’s inspiring to see countries overcoming their differences so that we can work together and learn from each other when it comes to things like contact tracing and improved public health. It’s also amazing to see all the innovative ideas to fight future pandemics with virus detection networks, personalised vaccines, and more.
Indeed, with so many great ideas for the future, it’s also good for you to set your own lofty goals.
Keep dreaming, find the dreams that really resonate with you, and work for them. No matter what your preferred flight of fancy is, the journey to it starts today. ~ Trent Hamm
Unfortunately, many of us are understandably overwhelmed right now. And while it’s perfectly okay to feel down, one of the best ways to feel better is to find joy in a full day’s work.
We all have goals and dreams and strive to achieve them. But sometimes we can get bored and tired of chasing them. The real success comes with consistency. Put in the effort consistently even through the monotony and you will reap the rewards. ~ Nancy Chavira
If you can’t decide how to start, that’s okay. You just have to find time (it doesn’t have to be a lot), make space (it doesn’t have to be much), and take action (it doesn’t have to be big). The key, as explored in the book Atomic Habits, is to be consistent about it.
If you want to succeed at any life improvement goal, you have to alter your normal daily routine such that every single day naturally produces some progress toward your goal. ~ Trent Hamm
It also helps to focus on the inputs (your efforts) and forget about the outcome (your results). Indeed, another way to find focus in uncertain times and stay focused under pressure is to find one thing to do.
Here’s the rule: you can only do one thing at a time. So pick the one thing that feels like it’s the most important thing you can do right now. The one thing that will have the biggest impact on your life and on others. Then give your full focus to that. ~ Leo Babauta
Not every day will be perfect, and that’s okay. If anything, the journey to changing the status quo will be a struggle. As long as you’re prepared to build your resilience and adjust as needed, you’ll be fine.
We all make mistakes — a lot of them. None of us will ever be perfect or even close to it. The only thing you can really do is try to make yourself into a slightly better person tomorrow than you were yesterday. ~ Trent Hamm
That wraps up our three-part series! I hope you found it valuable. But more than just feeling inspired, I hope you’ll take what you’ve learned and turn it into action.
Real change doesn’t come from reading an article and forgetting about it. It doesn’t come from trying to change everything all at once. It comes from that one meaningful action. ~ Trent Hamm