A year ago, the world shut down. It felt like both a slow-moving disaster and an abrupt shift at the same time. And over time, we’ve adjusted to the new normal. Sure, some people used the time to launch a business or jump into a weight loss program or tackle home improvement projects. But for most of us, we’ve been hunkered down, biding our time and wondering when life would return to normal while also wondering what “normal” would look like in the post-COVID world.
Today, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. The world is slowly reopening. But after living in survival mode for a solid year, how do you find the motivation to move forward? How do you find the energy to work toward the goals that have been put on hold for 12 months; for dreams that have been indefinitely deferred? We’re here to help.
1. Get Perspective. Though it’s felt like forever, in reality this has only been a year. Over the scope of a lifetime, that’s not too long. BUT – if you string too many of those years together, they are significant. Think about it this way: five years from now, five years will have passed. Where do you want to be by then? Don’t let this one-year pause discourage you to give up your dream altogether, but don’t get so comfortable with putting off your goals that you never get around to them.
2. Get Creative. You may not be ready to return to in-person activities yet. That’s understandable. But there are ways to start working towards your goals safely even if you want to do it from home.
3. Get Clarity. Know what your specific goal is. This isn’t always as easy as it sounds. Instead of having a vague goal like, “go back to school,” spend some time researching what that really means. Are you preparing for a dream job in a certain industry? What type of degree or training do you need? What schools offer that program? What is the application process and when are the deadlines? Even if you’re not ready to jump into the deep end quite yet, there are plenty of things you can do in the shallows to build up to it.
4. Evaluate Your Capacity & Re-Set Your Priorities. There’s no way you can leap right back into pre-pandemic activity levels. You’ve become adjusted to a slower pace of life – and this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Quarantine has given us the opportunity to separate the wheat from the chaff and decide what activities are truly worth our energy. Know your limits and re-establish your priorities about what deserves your attention. {HINT: After a year of staying in a holding pattern, what probably deserves your attention is YOU.}
5. Work Within Your Limitations. Can’t go to school full-time? Take one class instead. Can’t work out in a gym five days a week? Do YouTube videos three times a week. Can’t open the brick-and-mortar store of your dreams? Start an Etsy shop. Don’t let your limitations stop you; instead let them be a catalyst for taking that first, small step.
Did you defer college because of the pandemic? Are you a graduating senior thinking of postponing it until you can be assured of a more “normal” college experience? Or maybe you’re a mom who never finished her degree and you’re ready to finally earn that cap & gown. No matter who you are, Northwest University is committed to offering the best academic experience for both in person and online learners. With traditional academic programs that have safely resumed on campus, residential and student life programs that offer a normalized undergrad experience, as well as flexible online learning options that can be fully completed at home, there are plenty of options at Northwest University. Undergraduate and graduate programs are available, most of which can be designed to work with any student’s schedule. Learn about all the academic options Northwest University offers and request more information today. It’s time to finally take a step toward your dreams!
