The COVID crises reminds me of 9/11 in some ways. Things we never thought we’d do before (strip to nearly naked in the security line, anyone?) became second nature quickly. If you had told me 6 months ago that I’d be waiting in line to get into Target, I’d think it’s rude for people to NOT wear face masks in public buildings, or I wouldn’t see my parents in person for 2 months, I wouldn’t have believed you. Yet, these restrictions have become almost normal to me now.
Financially, I’m also reminded of the many, many, many times over my career that clients have told me, “I used to have $1,000,000 and now I don’t.” Well, that may be your new reality, for now. In the past, investments have always come back and gone higher, but only for those who didn’t sell at the bottom and wait around in cash for 3 years until things “got better.”
People adjust to new realities all the time. They may immigrate to a new country and take a (big) step down in their career. Or, they may exchange a high paying to preserve sanity and health in exchange better work life balance. Couples, someday you will have to adjust from being married to being single. Daters, could go from being single to in a committed relationship.
To conclude our 3-part series, here are some quotes from wise people about adjusting to a new reality:
“People can change. A doubter can still believe. Evil can still turnover to good. A sinner can still repent. People can change. Change won’t change itself. You on your own have to choose to evolve. Not the person who sees you as fit. People can change. But change can only do so much. It will never be you, it will never define you, it will never truly change you. People can change. And change you shall. But underneath all that skin, you are still you. Even though you’ve changed. – Mary Gaohlee Thao
“Times change, people change, situations change, relationships change… the only thing constant is change.” – Unknown
“Everybody has accepted by now that change is unavoidable. But that still implies that change is like death and taxes it should be postponed as long as possible and no change would be vastly preferable. But in a period of upheaval, such as the one we are living in, change is the norm.” – Peter Drucker
