Take Care of Yourself, Then Take Care of Business
By Claire Craig
How many times have you heard 2020 referenced to as unprecedented times? I know I’ve heard it a million times, and we’re all getting sick of it, but I think we’ve become numb to what it really means and how it affects us all differently.
For me, I know that the smallest feats feel the biggest this year. Tasks I wouldn’t have batted an eye at this time last year all of a sudden seem like they are big enough to crush me, and I know I’m not alone in this.
In Capstone Agency, I am lucky enough to work with some of the most hardworking, inspirational people that I have ever had the pleasure to know, and a lot of them have been able to accomplish amazing feats in the midst of the chaos of 2020. Whether it be digital internships, taking on new leadership positions, getting certifications or even starting a small business, I am in awe of them all.
Today, I am here to remind you that it is perfectly fine if you haven’t accomplished any of those things this year.
When quarantine began in March, I remember so many posts about how we should use this time to do something productive because it would be impressive to employers, or because we wouldn’t be able to do these things any other time in our busy lives. I felt a lot of pressure from these posts. At the time, I was still processing everything going on around me, and I didn’t feel like I was in any position to seek out these opportunities for myself, or that they would even be worthwhile with my current headspace. I mean, who are we kidding, I still am processing it all.
If being productive in a professional manner is what helps you process during this time, then I am so proud of you. If sitting at home and watching movies you haven’t seen before, or reading a new book helps you process during this time, I am proud of you too. I am with you.
When they say “unprecedented times” they mean it. There is no precedence to how we are supposed to react to a global pandemic that has, as of Oct. 27, killed 1.16 million people globally. So if you are struggling with comparing yourself to all of the amazing people around you and their 2020 accomplishments, please remember that you are amazing for doing what you need to do to get yourself through this year.
Take care of yourself, then you can take care of business.