These times are challenging for all of us. But especially for those of us who’s businesses are forced to shut down. Dimitar and I usually tour around the country giving concerts in big and small concert halls. We have between 25-30 concerts a year with our ensemble. And that’s not counting the engagements we have with other ensembles.
So far since the corona times we’ve had 4…
Not only does this have a huge impact financially, it also has a huge mental impact. But if you’re reading this, you probably already know that. You’re probably in the same situation.
During these times I’ve realized that you can’t control life around you. We all thought this would never last as long as it has, and here we are in strict lockdown again (at least here in the Netherlands) What you can control however is you’re reaction. So that’s why I was inspired to write this post for you. If you spend all your time thinking of the things you’ve lost, you’re not open to what you might gain in these times.
So here are a few things you can do to come out of these times stronger and better:
- Standing still and evaluating your life
Being forced not to work isn’t fun. Especially if you love what you’re doing. Especially if you’re financially dependent on your work. But it does give you time. And you can use this time to evaluate your life. Ask yourself questions like:
Am I satisfied with my life?
Are there things that would make it better?
Do I enjoy my job?
Am I as healthy as I can be?
Do I spend enough time with my loved ones?
How is my life/work balance?
These questions are actually really important, but we often don’t slow down enough to ask them.
What I came up with after self reflection is that, though I enjoy having concerts, it’s actually essential for me to have another income stream. This realization has been very valuable to me and has inspired me to take my business into a new direction!
After evaluating and self reflection, make sure to plan and act on your realizations. You will come out of these times stronger!
2. Time for new habits/hobbies/interests
Being forced to work less gives you time. And what you do with your time is unbelievably valuable. Since the closing of the gyms, Dimitar and I have been building the habit of running outside. This is something I’ve always wanted to do, but ‘never got round to it’.
I’m sure you have a list of things you’ve ‘never got round to.’ Choose the one that’s the most important and plan it into your week. Make sure you start with little chunks. Dimitar and I didn’t start with running the marathon, we started with a minute of walking and 2 minutes of running. It’s the same for any new thing you add to your schedule. Start modest, and don’t judge. Don’t say ‘it’s not enough’. Add little chunks, be proud of your achievement and watch your new habit/hobby build and thrive.
3. Adding a new income stream/exploring new financial options
I already mentioned this briefly in point one as a new income stream was one of my realizations after my self reflection.
Use this time to research new income streams. We all want to be a little more financially free and I have to say, we cannot have chosen better times to live in! The options are limitless, from Youtube, or online teaching on platforms like Skillshare and Udemy, to selling your lovely products on sites like Etsy, tutoring people through Skype, maybe finally finishing that book and self publishing. There are tons of things you can do to come out of these times a little richer and more financially independent.
4. Time for research
Did you get excited till now? And inspired? I know I did writing this for you! This brings me to my next point. Remember when I told you to start new things in small chunks? That’s because, honestly, new things can be pretty overwhelming. I’ve had tons of time for research in these times and this has made me realize how much time it takes to start something new. You have to not only build knowledge but also learn new skills.
For example: Dimitar and I started a Youtube channel, research involved hours and hours of looking for camera’s, lights, microphones. After that, research for the right editing program, research on how to edit, research on SEO, honestly I think it took us like 6 months at least to get all the research done. And after the research came the skills, skills on speaking in front of the camera, preparing a video, editing etc.
In other words, starting something new and fresh is exciting… and also overwhelming. But right now, you have the time. So settle in, take it slow, reward yourself, be proud of yourself and get started. In one year you’ll be so happy you took these steps!
5. REST.
With capital letters, because WE FORGET TO REST. Kick back, take a nap, read a book, meditate. Peace and quite will help you so much. Especially if you’re a creative person. (Like me and Dimitar) This world, however amazing it is, has so many distractions, impressions, opinions and images thrown at us every day. It’s so important to calm down, unplug, and rest. But we often just don’t give ourselves time for this. Use the time now. You’ll see that this will amp up your creative juices like crazy!
6. Take care of anything that you’ve been avoiding
Is there anything in your life that you’ve been avoiding? Tidying your house? Repairing a relationship with somebody that you’ve fought with? Doing something about your health?
Now is the time!
I hope this post inspired you to come out of these challenging times a stronger and better version of you. Let’s make sure to support each other in these times. Leave a comment below, or check our Instagram or Youtube and leave a comment there 🙂
Xo xo,
Elvire