For the first few months of 2020 it would seem that there has been only one thing on everyone’s mind – coronavirus or covid-19.
Without doubt the spread of coronavirus throughout the world has had devastating effects. Goverments across the world have adopted strict policies to tackle the virus.
However; we have all got to find a way of not letting coronavirus affect our positive thinking going forward.
“Don’t let the media define how you see things!”
There is no denying that coronavirus is a very serious pandemic. You only have to look at the effect that it is having on finance, business, sports, music and social events to be aware of this.
Experts predict that it may take months to find an effective vaccine. This means that many lives will be lost and we will all be affected in some way.
However, we must be careful and somewhat selective on what we read. Certain parts of the media can report in a way that is negative. While appreciating the tragedy of every life lost, highlighting the number of people who have recovered from the virus provides great inspiration and hope.
Always keep in mind that a solution will be found. By adopting a growth mindset and using positive thinking, you may find that you are able to approach problems in a much better way.
Here are 3 examples of how you can adopt a growth mindset in certain situations.
1. Lockdown
What is meant by a lockdown?
A lockdown is “an emergency protocol initiated by someone in a position of authority that can be used to prevent people or information from leaving an area.”
In plain terms it means that people are generally not allowed outside of their homes without permission.
Someomeone looking at this situation with a Fixed Mindset may accept the process passively. They may abide by the process, but not take advantage of their time on lockdown.
However anyone approaching this using a Growth Mindset will see the many benefits of being at home. Spending quality time with partners, children can be a welcome bonus of a lockdown.
Perhaps you can use the time to finish off those D-I-Y jobs that you haven’t got around to completing.
2. Self isolation
What does self-isolating mean?
Self-isolation is about protecting others and slowing down the spread of coronavirus COVID-19. It is very important that anyone who has the virus, or might have been exposed to it, limits the number of people they come into contact with for 14 days. This is the most effective way of preventing the coronavirus from spreading.
If you have been told to self-isolate, you will need to get to the place you are going to stay using your normal mode of transport, once there remain indoors and avoid contact with other people.
This will prevent you from spreading the disease to your family, friends and the wider community.
In practical terms, this means that you must:
- stay at home
- not go to school, work or public areas
- limit use public transport like buses, trains, tubes or taxis
- avoid visitors to your home
- ask friends, family members or delivery services to carry out errands for you – such as getting groceries, medications or other shopping
If you are asked to self-isolate, it is important that you follow the advice to help keep you, your loved ones, and your community safe.
With a Growth Mindset you can use self-isolation as a time for reflection. It can give you so many opportunities to focus or refocus.
Do you have a personal development plan? Is your plan up to date? Are you on course to achieve your goals? This can be a really useful time for revisiting your professional or personal development plan.
If you don’t have one, creating a pdp might ignite your career.
There may be changes in the way you choose to work as a result of the coronavirus. This period of self-isolation could open up a new world of opportunities going forward.
Could this time for reflection give you the encouragement to set up on your own? If so you will need to find out as much as you can about surviving in the gig economy.
You might now decide that a change of career is the right thing for you. That might mean creating a new change of career CV or learning how to conduct a video interview.
Why not use your time by taking advantage of courses that you can complete online?
There are so many accredited courses available for you to take from the comfort of your own home.
Start a journal. This can be the perfect time to begin your journal. It will offer you the chance to work out a timetable you can use going forward.
3. Social distancing
Social distancing could include things like temporarily reducing socialising in public places such as entertainment or sports events, reducing our use of non-essential public transport or recommending more home working.
Social distancing is important because coronavirus can spread when an infected person coughs small droplets – packed with the virus – into the air.
These can be breathed in, or can cause an infection if you touch a surface they have landed on, and then touch your face with unwashed hands.
Those with a Fixed Mindset may see these as restrictive measures. Meanwhile people using a Growth Mindset will use this opportunity to adopt a regular fitness routine. This in itself may improve your chances of fighting coronavirus.
In fact learning how you can improve your immune system health is highly recommended. Becoming aware of how your diet, sleeping habits and relationships affect your immune system will help your chances against coronavirus.
These are just 3 examples of how you can use a Growth Mindset to make sure you don’t let coronavirus affect your positive thinking.
