There’s no denying that we’re in a new reality due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). In fact, people all over the globe are practicing social distancing and self quarantine. While we’re all adjusting to a new normal, the question you have to ask yourself is “How can I make the most of this experience so I come out stronger on the other side?” The good news is there are many things you can do with your downtime. These are a few ways to strengthen your skill development during quarantine.
Specific Skill Improvement:
In today’s ever-changing world, we’re constantly looking to improve our skills. In the coming weeks, think about skills you’d like to enhance. Are you looking to improve your excel skills? Have you always wanted to teach yourself Photoshop? There’s literally no time like the present! The situation outside may be grim for now, but inside your home, you have the power to set the tone. It may be challenging if you are also managing work duties from home or the new demands of homeschooling. You may even be dealing with both. While it’s not ideal, many workplaces have slowed down or are pivoting. Your duties may have shifted and expectations during this time may have changed. It’s never too late to learn a new skill. There are numerous online platforms as well as free YouTube videos filled with valuable information.
Online Certifications:
If you’ve been putting off getting a certification that could advance your career, this is probably the best time to commit to such a program. Many programs are self-paced and with schedules becoming more flexible as workers stay home, you’ll be able to manage your time in a way that makes the most sense for you. In New York, schools and many offices are closed until April 20th. That’s over a month. There’s so much you can learn and accomplish during this time. Finances are surely a concern at this time so don’t overlook the several free certificate programs to be found online. Of course, many programs take several months to complete. But, timing is of the essence. When it comes to getting started, this may just be the time to start that program that supports skill development during quarantine.
Personal Development:
The current crisis will mostly likely cause all of us to take stock of what’s most important in our lives. While our eyes are on the world health pandemic, it would be impossible not to take a closer look inward as well. What can we do to grow from this experience? How will this experience shape the way we live our lives once the imminent danger of the virus is behind us? If we look at what we value, how much of the way we went about our daily lives prior to COVID-19 really honored those things? It is inevitable that personal growth will be a by-product of those who survive any major crisis. But you can also take a more active role in your own personal growth. Explore the areas of your life where you may be feeling stuck. What are your patterns when it comes to relationships? How has your mindset hindered you from moving forward? Starting a meditation practice and maintaining a gratitude journal are simple ways to begin the processes of self-exploration. If you’re looking for more hands-on help, don’t worry. There are online classes for all this stuff too.
This is markedly a “down” time. But that doesn’t mean we can’t take advantage of it in various ways. Your job search may be stalled, but let’s look for a silver lining. If there’s one to be found, it’s that you probably have concentrated time that you can use to strengthen your talents.
