It has been a very interesting start to the year to say the least. Maybe not even so much the entire start of the year; just this past month. We have all been through and continue our attempts to navigate through this storm of uncertainty.
As a financial and insurance business, the team at Big Horn deals with many different people and portfolios on a daily basis. No two individuals are equally the same in the way they structure their financial future, and that's the beauty of it. Some of us like to ride the waves and know that the good ones will eventually crash down; while others enjoy the slow and steady of a conservative method that brings a little more certainty and comfort. Whether you fall in the aggressive category, the extremely conservative or somewhere in between, the similarities we have hold true. No matter what we believe and try to control, there are scenarios that will shake us up. It's how we let it control us and better yet, how we respond that is most important.
One of our vendors here at Big Horn offered up a free conference call with a very dynamic individual. Not to focus on finances or trying to sell some type of product, but something more personal at a time we need it most. It featured Dr. Kevin Elko (www.drelko.com) - a motivational speaker who prides himself on helping individuals, companies, along with professional & collegiate sports teams succeed through connection and communication. There were a few key parts of this call that really stood out that we wanted to share with you that are great reminders with all that is going on in the world today.
So many times we focus on the things that may be out of reach at the moment, then lose sight of what's truly important. The acronym 'WIN' was a big part of this presentation.
What's Important Now
What are the three most important things that need your attention now? How do you manage with what's happened so far and what will you do tomorrow to make it better than today?
The other interesting part of Dr. Elko's talk was the fact that anxiety is almost inevitable for all of us right now, at least to some extent. Anxiety towards the virus, your finances, your daily schedule or social distancing. There are plenty of opportunities to add to your anxiety levels. Just flip on the TV to your favorite news channel and keep it on all day.
At the end of the topic, the moral was just this:
Be afraid, but still decide to move forward.
It's a simple phrase and what sounds like it should be a simple process, yet it can be one of the most challenging for a lot of us. Fear of the unknown; what's going to happen next?
What Dr. Elko was saying is, even though your anxiety levels may be as high as they can get, you still need to keep moving forward with your life. Find as many positives as you can. Surround yourself with positive people who don't see everything as darkness. Be resilient. You will be alright once this passes.
The final portion talked about the three P's of resiliency. They are:
Personal - Why is this happening to ME?? The fact of the matter is, it's not just happening to you. I think we all are at the understanding of this 100% that it's definitely had its impact on the entire world we live in.
Pervasive - Even though we're going through a rough patch, it will not affect all parts of your life, unless of course you let it.
Permanent - Will this be here forever? No. As the wise saying goes... This too shall pass.
This is a great time to treat as a learning experience. Learn about yourself. Connect more with people you have wanted to connect with but just haven't had time to make that effort. Call them. Email them. Start up a conversation on social media. Be personal (well, as personal as you can with this whole social distancing thing going on). Most important, be kind.
Your life probably feels like you went from a 5G network speed to dial up internet. Great, now the phone line is busy!
Slow down, take a deep breath and relax. Now is your chance. Accept the unchangeable. Simply take life one day at a time.
The ending statement was one of greatness that you should remember during this difficult time. "When I fall, who I BECOME will catch me and lift me back up."
Let this lesson teach you how to become a better you.
Our thanks to Dr. Elko for taking the time to remind us that life is a precious thing. Don't worry too much, but even if you do, keep on moving forward.
We hope this helps you as you continue moving forward during uncertain times.