There's a saying in nautical circles that a smooth sea never made a good sailor, and the gist of that of course is that you only get good when you are faced with certain challenges.
Yes, it is natural to feel anger and frustration about the latest lockdown. It's also easy to think of yourself as a victim. After all, it's not your fault that the United Kingdom is in lockdown again, and your life and health is being impacted.
The truth is that despite all the restrictions that Boris announced the other night you have a lot more say than you might realise about what happens next in your life story.
We can’t do anything about the lockdown restrictions.
But what we can do is “control the controllables” - to focus on the things that you can do something about, not to get dragged into the woe is me pits of misery and despair, that is enveloping our country right now.
Don't know where to start?
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Put the pandemic, Boris, Hancock, and all the crazy goings on in America to the back of your mind.
Yes, it's important to know what's going on in the World, but don't let it become the centre of your attention.
Instead, focus on things you CAN control, not things you have no control over.
So, how do you focus on what you can control?
Simple. Know what’s within your control and what isn’t.
Let me outline this by way of a story...
And I will do that by introducing you to an old friend of mine named Epictetus. He lived some time ago around the year 100 AD.
Ok, he’s not really my friend but his wisdom is something I believe we should all live by...
The stoic philosopher nailed it when he wrote:
“Happiness and freedom begin with a clear understanding of one principle: Some things are within your control. And some things are not. It is only after you have faced up to this fundamental rule and learned to distinguish between what you can and can't control that inner tranquillity and outer effectiveness become possible.”
- No amount of cursing the government over lockdown rules will make it any better.
- No amount of wishing Covid would suddenly disappear will make it do just that.
- No amount of wishing the gyms could open again will make them open again.
These things are NOT in your control.
There’s nothing that you personally can do about them so why waste your time, energy and attention by focusing on issues like this.
That’s right, there is no point.
But what CAN you control?
You will feel down about the world. All the negativity circulating can be overwhelming. The thoughts you feel are something that is not within your control but how you react to those thoughts is within your control!
Instead of feeling down about everything just accept that that’s the way things are right now.
Trust me, you will feel instantly better.
The world is up the creek without a paddle right now! I get it, but you don’t have to tag along with it.
Accept it, move on, and focus on something else.
Focus on YOUR family. Focus on yourself. And focus on YOUR business.
Yeah sure, the lockdowns have hit your business. Gyms and fitness studios are closed. But can you control that?
No.
Can you control your marketing though?
Yes.
So, focus on that.
Ramp up your marketing efforts because that is within your control.
I'm not saying to hard sell. Instead, lead with value.
- Be there for your clients and your community - record home workouts for them to follow along for free.
- Give them ideas for batch cooking healthy meals the whole family will enjoy.
- Call or message them to make sure they are ok and remind them you are there for them if and when they need you.
If you do that, you’ll have clients rolling into your gym or studio on a conveyor belt when everything gets back to normal.
The idea is to focus on the things you can control instead of ruminating over the things you can’t.
If you can determine what parts of your day are within your control and what parts are not, you will not only be happier, but you will have a distinct advantage over other people who fail to realise they are fighting an un-winnable battle.
Stay strong. Stay motivated. Stay focused.
