This … is a Marathon

“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”  Nelson Mandela, Former President of South Africa

If you are a student of strategy, you understand long-term thinking. This futuristic approach may require short-term pain for a benefit that is lasting. When you change the oil in a machine, such as a vehicle, the short-term cost benefits the long-term life of that device. The result is that over a period of time, the overall cost is lower because of a wiser investment.

As we move toward solving the Coronavirus crisis, it is smart for us to think about long-term strategy. We are in a marathon. While all of us are experiencing some short-term pain and cost, we need to remember to keep moving, albeit at a slower pace, toward the finish line. Perhaps, not as fast as we desire or even as fast as we are capable of moving, but at a pace that serves us well for this unexpected journey.

• What best practice can we put in place as a family to make progress toward the finish line?
• What do we need to do now in our businesses and non-profit organizations to secure a future?
• What key practices in our jobs help us to maximize our safety while still allowing us to continue moving toward a successful finish?
• How can we be safe and continue to make progress?

I have been contemplating these questions since the beginning of this pandemic and have offered some recommendations in recent newsletter editions. 

Here are some suggestions, all of which I am now practicing in my own life:

• Keep a positive attitude. What helps me is a daily habit of listening to music I love and reading an inspirational quote.
• Spend more time in prayer and quiet reflection. Be sure that you spend a majority of that time on solution-oriented thinking.
• Follow best practices and guidelines of the CDC and local leaders. Do everything that is reasonable to avoid catching the virus. The bed you do not occupy in the hospital makes one more available for someone who may need it. Be part of the solution.
• Exercise regularly and eat healthy foods. Maintain as much as possible a healthy body. I daily eat fruits, vegetables and nuts. I walk on most days.
• Have the courage to speak up when you see or hear of an unsafe practice or condition among your family or friends. Be bold and say something. I have had several sober conversations with other family members.
• Encourage and practice safe habits in your workplace. Be the example.
• Lead

Today,

I will walk one more mile in this marathon.