It’s Important to Continue to Make Time for Planning, Innovation, and Mental Wellness
Earlier this month marked 21 days since we began remote work at Mission Partners. It’s said that 21 days is what it takes to form a habit, though nothing is feeling quite habitual yet. We are all in an extended period of uncertainty, as news of the coronavirus hits closer to home. We are bracing for the extended effects on our businesses, our mental health, and our lifestyles, while many of us are mourning all that has been lost.
What was once our “normal” may not return, but I have great hope in knowing that we will emerge from this. Things will be different, yes, but we will emerge.
While we navigate this new way of living, I wanted to share a few ways you can keep focused on forward motion, enjoy a shared experience to support small businesses and nonprofits, and spread some kindness in your community.
On Planning Strategically.
If you are leading an organization, a team, or a project during the time of coronavirus, it is natural to feel lost or unable to see a path forward. But through chaos can come great innovation, and there can be a path forward for your work, too.
If you don’t know where to start, join Mission Partners’ leadership team this Thursday (and every Thursday in May) at 4 p.m. ET for an open office hour and virtual community conversation to help you move your work forward. Interested? Email us for the calendar invite and login details.
On Spreading Kindness to Those Experiencing Social Isolation.
My fourth-grade daughter, Sophia, and I spent much of last year writing a book for kids and their families called Adventures in Kindness, which will be released next month. The book is filled with 52 adventures to improve the world around you, and many of the adventures can be completed right from your home if, let’s say, you happen to be sequestered for an indefinite amount of time due to a global pandemic. Pre-order an autographed copy by May 10, and we’ll throw in a free pack of notecards that you can use to stay connected with friends and family who are experiencing social isolation. Bonus: 100% of proceeds from notecard sales will go to Feeding America to support COVID-19 relief efforts.
On Rethinking Business Operations.
Millions of business owners are scrambling to reinvent their businesses. Many have already found innovative ways to roll with the punches — from rethinking supply chains to redeploying staff to offering crucial advice, to even re-creating your favorite bar online. Our friends at Real Leaders Magazine asked 16 smart CEOs and business owners how they’ve adapted to our new virus-ridden reality. Check out their article and pull some inspiration from these organizations that are leading for good amid rapid and constant change.
On Prioritizing Mental Health.
While quarantine is by far the best tool for quickly limiting the spread of an infectious disease, it comes at a high price for our mental health. I took my first mental health day of the quarantine earlier this month, and I’ve reinforced to my team to consider the same. We’re also sharing ideas and resources to support each other, from a 30 Day Yoga Challenge to top Netflix movies to virtual vacation ideas. How are you caring for your mental health and well being during coronavirus? Share your ideas in the comments below or on our LinkedIn page.
Carrie Fox is CEO and founder of Mission Partners. B the Change gathers and shares the voices from within the movement of people using business as a force for good and the community of Certified B Corporations. The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the nonprofit B Lab.
4 Ways to Chart a Path Forward During Uncertain Times was originally published in B The Change on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
