The New Normal

Now that the first wave of the pandemic has been declared as being over, people all over the world are beginning to navigate the journey to a new normal.

Let me ask you a couple of questions:

  • What do you believe the new normal might look like?
  • Or is there going to be such a thing as normality at all in your opinion?

I have reflected on what this might look like and how we got here.

 

The journey so far

To get here we have travelled quite a distance. First, in 2008, there was the global financial crisis which shook up a lot of systems and organisations. Then, in 2016 the whole BREXIT debacle started. No one I know imagined even I their wildest dreams that the UK might be brave enough to consider leaving the EU.

Now, in 2020, COVID has arrived – another global disaster. Or is it?

What are you noticing, when you look for pattern in each of these events? Personally, I can’t help but recognise the global impact of each of these events. That’s quite staggering, don’t you think?

 

 

 

Many years ago I read a book by Diana Cooper in which she mentions that the years between 2008 and 2030 will be years of realignment. The book gives the reasoning behind how she arrives at this bold statement and it is an interesting read.

Reflecting on the last 12 years and taking Diana’s statement into consideration I find a strong resonance between what has been happening and this expression of realignment. The realignment might occur on a number of levels such as the global economy, the political systems, the environment, the consciousness of humanity living on mother earth and indeed mother earth itself. As with any realignment, entropy usually is the first and last step in the process. Entropy lies at the heart of all creation. Out of entropy new innovations and systems can be created. None of this can happen in isolation and all of it has a ripple effect., just like the ripples streaming out from throwing a pebble into the sea or pond. Neither is it individual, instead it is connected and dependable on all of its elements.

What is the relevance of looking at the journey to today and its impact in such detail?

 

Why is NOW such a great opportunity?

Well, if we look we might realise that we find ourselves in exactly this position of recreation – a massive opportunity for each of us, society and mankind as a whole.

You might think I’ve gone slightly mad here. In such times of hardship to even contemplate opportunity seems frivolous and inhumane, but is it?

The opportunity is the chance to re-evaluate and adjust our values, our contributions, our role within the systems we operate in as well as the impact we as individuals have on the environment and the systems. Vast potential to use our creativity, connectedness, compassion and ability to adjust to create happiness, abundance and health for us all, our businesses and this planet. Though it does require us all to adjust, learn and adopt.

 

What then, is this “new normal”?

It feels like this new normal is full of uncertainty, volatility, possibility and adaptability. Quite uncomfortable on first view compared to what we have been used to but also extremely rewarding and exciting as it offers the freedom of innovation and creation.

 

 

 

 

 

How on earth will we be able to deal with it?

Based on what has been said so far it seems that the new normal is called chaos instead of routine. Chaos in an inspiring freeing way.

Many of us have found the lock down extremely challenging, whilst for others it was a wonderful window to find themselves again. We all adjusted and got used to it to some degree, found other ways.

One of the revelations is how important connection with others is for all of us. Social interaction, time with family, friends, colleagues and similar support systems it seems are the staple of physical and mental health.

Here are my key tips which will  equip us for the new normal of constant change:

  1. Self-knowledge
  2. Resilience
  3. A flexible mindset
  4. Courage
  5. Compassion
  6. Trust
  7. Relationships
  8. Strong decision making

There is no right or wrong in the new normal, but there are always grey zones and new perspectives.

“No (wo)man is an island”  John Donne said already in the 17th century as he compared people with countries. He discussed the connection of mankind with all creation.

This is very appropriate for these challenging times as well. Therefore, we might consider the new normal as an opportunity to recreate and take accountability for the future we want to have.

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