
At the end of April I wrote about Navigating a New Normal. (insert link here) After this we then had restrictions eased before moving back into Lockdown 2.0 in Melbourne.
I won’t be writing about how this happened or why (that’s a big can of can of worms!) but will share with you some thoughts around lessons I have learnt in the last couple of weeks of lockdown 2.0 that will hopefully help with the weeks (maybe months…) ahead.
This article was inspired about a poem I stumbled upon recently called Same Storm, Different Boats.
Here's the full poem:
I heard that we are in the same boat. But it's not that. We are in the same storm, but not in the same boat. Your ship can be shipwrecked and mine might not be. Or vice versa. For some, quarantine in optimal: a moment of reflection, or reconnection. Easy, in flip flops, with a whiskey or tea. For others, this is a desperate crisis. For others, it is facing loneliness. For some, peace, rest time, vacation. Yet for others, Torture: How am I going to pay my bills? Some were concerned about a brand of chocolate for Easter (this year there were no rich chocolates). Others were concerned about the bread for the weekend, or if the noodles would last for a few more days. Some were in their "home office". Others are looking through trash to survive. Some want to go back to work because they are running out of money. Others want to kill those who break the quarantine. Some need to break the quarantine to stand in line at the banks. Others to escape. Others criticize the government for the lines. Some have experienced the near-death of the virus, some have already lost someone from it, and some believe they are infallible and will be blown away if or when this hits someone they know. Some have faith in God and expect miracles during 2020. Others say the worse is yet to come. So, friends, we are not in the same boat. We are going through a time when our perceptions and needs are completely different. And each one will emerge, in his own way, from that storm. It is very important to see beyond what is seen at first glance. Not just looking, more than looking, seeing. See beyond the political party, beyond biases, beyond the nose on your face. Do not judge the good life of the other, do not condemn the bad life of the other. Don't be a judge. Let us not judge the one who lacks, as well as the one who exceeds him. We are on different ships looking to survive. Let everyone navigate their route with respect, empathy and responsibility.
What a powerful poem. Let’s first remember that not everyone has the same lens. We are in the same storm but not the same boat.
What else has changed? Below are some observations I have seen from the team I lead, my friendship group any myself personally.
Your boat and your mindset towards the storm really does shape your experience
Both the boat you are in (your personal circumstances and situation) and your mindset towards the storm will shape the experience that is before you. You may not be able to choose the boat you are in, and you certainly didn’t chose the storm but you can choose your mindset towards the storm and the choices you make during the storm.
You have the choice to view challenges as frustration, stress or anxiety or you can find the opportunity to grow during the challenge. Personally, I feel I have grown as a leader through the challenges and change of the current situation, I have learnt more about myself and others and focused more than ever before on how the team and I adapt to change and come out better and stronger when the storm subsides.
You have the choice of how you treat others during the storm, the empathy you show and the respect for difference situations and perspective.
We are stronger than we think (But It’s OK not to be OK!)
The storm we are in has certainly showed that we are stronger than we think as individuals and collectively but don’t forget it’s OK not to be OK. It’s OK to put your hand up and ask for help in whatever way, shape or form that may come in. (physical, emotional, spiritual, financial) It’s also OK to reach out to people and see how they are going. We should be doing this more than ever before. People’s resolve is being tested more than ever before and from all angles!
Lockdown 2.0 has been more difficult for a lot of people I know as they feel there is more uncertainty and for some this has bred more fear. Some who could WFH during the first lockdown and enjoyed the novelty or change of pace now feel more isolated and are struggling with the same conditions. It’s not the same for many the 2nd time around.
The pressure feels different. Some had the chance to re-open their business just to have it shutdown again in 3 weeks, some are struggling to stay afloat, keep their jobs or pay their bills or can no longer see the light at the end of the tunnel.
For others the challenge or pressure may be harder to see. Perhaps everything looks composed on the outside but they are leading a team or a business through a storm, they are having to make tough decisions or decisions that others cannot understand. No leaders want to let people go, no leaders want to see their team impacted.
Don’t be afraid to let people in, be vulnerable, communicate and find support in your network or from those around you.
I have found during both lockdown periods that there are a great extended network of people who care about me, my family and team I lead and that are there for me if I need a sounding board or help. Thank you for all who have reached out over the journey – your support doesn’t go unnoticed.
Equally if you are in my network and I can support you further in any way then don’t hesitate to reach out for a chat.

Routine is more important than ever before
Many people have lost their routines during this situation but what I have found is that those who have built a new routine during these challenging times seem to be coping better. Find a daily routine to bring structure, purpose and reason to your days is so important.
If you are working from home then find a way to bring your work day alive, have a routine that locks you in – this could be as simple as putting on a suit or having a routine or trigger to lock in for the day.
Gratitude matters
Don’t forget that even in the storm you can find things to be grateful for! Perhaps it is more time with your family, a walk together around the block, friends who have reached out, a roof over your head, the ability to still pay the bills, a loving spouse.
Take time each day to continue to practice gratitude.
I stumbled across a simple gratitude exercise from the American Heart Association recently using the HEART acronym:
Health: Think of what your body allowed you to do today. Maybe it is the morning run you went on, the PB you set in the gym or something more simple.
Eat: What nourishment did you provide your body today? Did you eat a favourite meal?
Activity: Did you do something today that you really enjoyed? Did you have a win at home or work? Take time to reflect on that moment.
Relationship: Did you see or talk to someone today who brings you joy? Or are you planning to video call someone who bring you joy?
Time: Today is a gift? How will you use it? Be thankful for each day.

The storm will subside
This storm will eventually subside, it will end and we will rebound. Things may change (change is inevitable) but one thing for sure is that we will move past this. So let’s journey through this together but keep in mind that we are not in the same boat, only the same storm. And if you are in a super yacht or a boat where you can help another who may be in a row boat (or rowing with 1 oar) then reach out, support them in any way you can. We will get through this together.

What has changed for you with Lockdown 2.0? What have you learnt along the journey. Share your thoughts and feedback from your boat below. Share your perspective of the storm.
#leadership #success #change #resilience #gratitude #covid19 #coronavirus #corona #newnormal #samestorm #differentboats #samestormdifferentboats
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