After several weeks working from home, some of us may still be struggling. Understandably, we worry about our work and about the uncertain and unpredictable future.
Perhaps the problem is we measure success in terms of mere work productivity. MDRT, however, teaches a seven-pillar Whole Person concept of career, education, health, relationships, spiritual, financial and service. Rather than seeing this virus outbreak as a great disaster, why don’t we try to see it as a great corrector that gives us the opportunity to re-evaluate our lives?
#StayAtHome gives us time to develop the Whole Person pillars we may have neglected in our busy lives. I’d like to look at other aspects of our lives besides careers. These are the following:
Education. Often, we make excuses about not having time to learn. Now is the time to study technology. I learned to use the Zoom app, which turned out to be very useful for current conditions. I also learned how to make video slides with PowerPoint, and I read several quality books.
Health. Through this time of a virus outbreak and isolation, we are reminded that being healthy is critical. I take vitamins more often now, eat more fruit, take 30-minute walks in the morning to get the sun’s heat and, of course, I frequently wash my hands.
Relationships. Usually, it’s difficult to have quality time with children because everybody is busy. I’m using this opportunity to play cards and board games with my kids, watch movies together and laugh with my children by looking at photos from when they were toddlers. Time runs so fast — now my children are in their teens, ages 14 and 17, and they are taller than me. By having them study at home, physical closeness makes us more connected. There is no longer anyone asking, “Mom, what time will you be home?”
Spiritual. In my opinion, this is the most important aspect. We can use the time to get closer to God and rethink the direction of our lives. I now attend online prayer sessions more often. Also, instead of being on social media, I read spiritual books to refresh my soul.
Financial. Many people may now understand the importance of having cash reserves for three to six months of living expenses for an emergency. I have evaluated unnecessary expenditure items and crossed them out. For example, I crossed out holidays abroad this year.
Service. During this time, people might be tempted to “panic buy.” Meanwhile, we hear a lot of people, like daily paid workers, who find it so difficult simply to have enough food. I set aside a portion of my money to donate. My income is decreasing, but I remember other people who are suffering more than me.
Let’s use this opportunity when we have to #StayAtHome as an opportunity for us to grow to become a Whole Person.
Miliana, of Jakarta, Indonesia, is an 11-year MDRT member and Court of the Table qualifier. She’s also the 2019-20 MDRT Country Chair of Indonesia.
For more #StayAtHome and Whole Person ideas
- How to be productive and creative when business pauses
- 7 ideas for insurance agents working from home
- Is your Whole Person plan in place?
Very sound advice, Miliana. Especially like that part on health which I’ve also neglected! I would also add mental and emotional healthcare which are essential components!
U r awesome
Excellent idea! Very good inspiration! Think differently! Act differently! Identify the areas to focus! Do it now! Think positively! Say Thanks! Work from home! Understand yourself! Do not worry! Have passion! Change is inevitable! Hope gives everything! Believe yourself! Have confidence!
Focus more on education. Learning is a continuous process. In normal course it may not be possible due to work load and availability of time. Please convert the challenge as an opportunity. It is best time to spend for learning new techniques relating to your profession and update yourself to get new ideas with the help of books, videos, phone calls and so on. If you read books you will never feel alone.
Spend your valuable time with your kids and other family members to improve the relationship among the family members and extended family.
Give your time to improve the skills. Technology helps to enhance and expand your career. It saves time and money. Planning, Determination, Communication, Leadership, Financial Planning, Decision making will help to elevate yourself and equip to meet the challenges in future.
Health is most important. It is better to maintain good health. Health is better than wealth. Morning walk helps to improve physical and mental fitness. Your mind will be fresh. Take limited food. Eat fruits and raw vegetables. To face this invisible enemy stay at home. Keep away from public life. Try to maintain social distance while dealing with people. Wash your hands as frequently as possible with soap.
Spiritual life is essential and it gives lot of relief and satisfaction. Read spiritual books to get rid of evils and bad spirits. Listen classical music. Music gives inspiration, reduce blood pressure, enhance your memory, relieve your pain, improve your quality of sleep, fight the symptoms of your depression, creative mindset, it makes you smarter, reducing stress levels, relieve symptoms of anxiety, increase your productivity, boost your brain power, improve your social connections, you will put a smile on your face, invoke all kinds of emotions. It gives an opportunity to change your life for better with a new form of music.
Let us utilize this opportunity and become a full pledged individual. Be fit yourself and be ready to face everything. Wish you all the best.