How NOT to return to ’normal’.

Now that restrictions have been eased and that we are starting to socialise and, for some of us, to return to the office, how about we DON’T return to the normal we know?

If I am perfectly honest, there are quite a few things (activities, relationships, obligations etc) I didn’t like in pre-pandemic times. Some I accepted without questioning them or through habit, others because I didn’t want to rock my boat, or because I felt pressure to go along…

The pandemic has however given me time to reflect and reminded me of my priorities. So, I am not going back to my pre-pandemic normal without questioning whether this is what I really want or need.

Here are some tips to make a plan NOT to go back to normal:

1- Take a thorough look at pre- and pandemic times.

To help with this, draw a two-by-two matrix on a piece of paper, where the columns are what you like and dislike, and the rows are pre-pandemic and pandemic times.

Ask yourself: “What did I dislike from before the pandemic and don’t miss?” and “What do I like from the pandemic times that I will miss?”

Go deep, be completely honest with yourself and be specific.

Don’t settle for just the obvious like the commute that took 2 hours each day. Think about the daily interactions that were toxic, relationships that were unproductive, and the life patterns that made you unhappy (like caring about what people think about you). Give this some serious reflection!

2- List what you want to leave behind.

Some things might be difficult to change but be really open here and really question if you want to bring this back into your post-pandemic life. If it seems that you have no choice, look at it again and start your thinking with ‘what if’.

‘What if I changed that job’?

‘What if I made that break in the relationship permanent?’

In the first instance, ignore the objections that spring to mind. Imagine that anything is possible and see what happens.

3- Make a list of what to keep.

List the things you like about your pandemic life, and that you will miss when they stop. Be open-minded and see if you can make a plan to integrate them in your ‘new’ routine. You might need to make few adjustments but if this makes you happy, isn’t it worth a try?

How is that plan looking like?

I work with my clients to help them make their wishes possible, through goal setting, planning, and providing them with support and accountability. If you need help building a new and happier ‘normal’ aligned with your values and away from a life you dislike, get in touch.