The past several weeks have certainly been nothing short of… A lot. I tried to think of other adjectives to adequately describe this time of COVID-19, but nothing quite seemed to do it justice. I have a hard time imagining the weeks to come being the exact same as they have been; daily updates with number counts, limited social engagement, grocery stores somehow turning into the true Hunger Games, and life losing a certain “umph” that we all would wake up with in facing a new day.
As I suddenly have a huge amount of time on my hands, I find myself thinking a lot about things I keep busy with, trying to find something that makes even the most repetitive days have a little more “umph.” I have been fortunate enough in remaining remotely employed – shout out to the Holden Center – and I am considering how my role at a “Center for Leadership and Community Engagement” has influenced me, especially in these times, to have a little more “umph.”
As a CliftonStrengths Consultant for our Strengths Program, I recently sent out email to all the past consult participants; the very first to the very last. I recalled each individual’s set of five strengths, and asked them to think critically about how they could utilize their strengths in this time of uncertainty. This also required me to consider my own strengths; Communication, Woo, Developer, Positivity, Includer. Perhaps these strengths can be my “umph,” or help me find something like it.
I was able to see my Includer strength coming through as I ensure that I’m able to connect with as many people as possible, strengths related or not. I’ve always been decent at responding to chats, emails, and initiating conversations, but I don’t think I’ve ever been more grateful of my ability to communicate with others. As an extrovert, I’ve been heavily relying on social media and online resources to keep in touch with friends. Looking forward to video calls with friends and family have given me a little more “umph” in the morning that keeps me going until night. Still keeping in mind of course, that it’s okay to take space for myself as well.
I’ve noticed myself trying to look on the bright side of things more often. I try to focus my energy on unfinished projects, and being productive in this time of highly encouraged social distancing. And I’ve tried to encourage others to do the same, to make light of the situation and consider the smaller good things that will come out of this all. But I recognize the privilege that comes with being able to see the bright side in things at all – we are all fighting different fights, and while no fight should invalidate another, I recognize that there are several other situations where seeing the bright side in things might be much more difficult. Regardless, I hope others are inspired to reach out to loved ones, and approach every day with a certain “umph” that we especially need now.
All in all, the Holden Center has been encouraging me to find my new “umph” as I search for something new to look forward to everyday. By looking at other’s and my own strengths, I’m seeing new things to provide me that “umph” – that extra motivation to look forward to a new day, project, and time when going outside is again a norm.
Savannah Kan, CliftonStrengths Consultant, Senior
