The best tools I’ve found for getting through difficult times

BREATHWRK: Very simple, guided breathing exercises to change your physiology and help de-stress, oxygenate, and focus.   https://www.breathwrk.com/perform

HOME GYM EXERCISES: I’m guessing you don’t need convincing on the value of exercise. No need for an actual home gym or equipment for this workout:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoIG7LlU6a8

CONNECT WITH FRIENDS: Connection with those we love boosts our mood, deregulates the stress response, and actually improves your immune system.  For friends and family not nearby use Zoom.   https://zoom.us/download

HUMOR: Read or watch anything you find funny.  Laughter truly is the best medicine for your body.

My humble advice in trying times

In uncertain, even devastating times, it’s easy to get caught up in how surreal life feels when we see how quickly things can deteriorate.  I’m not a therapist and am not trying to play on the Internet.  Just some humble advice for friends coping with the pandemic or any hardship.

DON’T PANIC – Panicking has never improved a situation. Sometimes even over-reactions are appropriate, but panic has never caused anything good to happen to our health, economy, or ability to help others.  Do your best to stay grounded. CREATE A PLAN – Spend the time you need in disbelief, denial, and anger about your circumstance.  It’s warranted. But then accept reality.  Focusing on a plan is the fastest path to feeling more in control. OBSESS ONLY OVER THINGS YOU CAN CONTROL – This is smart advice regardless of circumstances. Getting mad at the weather simply diverts resources that could be better spent elsewhere. DO THE BEST YOU CAN – WITH WHAT YOU HAVE – FROM WHERE YOU ARE – Read that again slowly.  Commit to taking inventory, using resources you do have, and moving forward.

Leadership goal

I believe that your job as a leader is to create an environment where people can absorb the knowledge of the leader, the group, and as much collective human wisdom as possible.  But it shouldn’t stop there…

Ultimately when you’re gone, people should feel blessed that they had you, more than they feel wounded because they no longer do.  So the true test of leadership is that the people you led can not only get by, but deliver better results than you.  Without you.