We are in changing times. Over the past couple of months experiencing COVID-19, days of isolation and orders to stay at home have caused us to ponder what does the future really look like? I have talked to friends, family and colleagues and we are all coping with this reality in different ways. For some it has felt like a death (whether literal or because of the loss of a job, etc.) and they are grieving; for others, they’ve used their time as therapy and they are cleaning out everything they can put their hands on; and then there are those that are trying to figure out how to be as productive as possible to come out stronger and wiser on the other side. I do not believe there are any right or wrong answers, and everyone has to cope the best way they know how.
As I thought about where I fit into the various scenarios, I realized I am probably experiencing all three. We all have things we use to process our thoughts and I realized there are three things that are part of my toolbox that can help us all overcome this pandemic as well as post-pandemic. It is always a good idea to think through and develop processes that will help us not only get through situations in life, but to come out as better people. Three things that I have begun to put into place are how to Invest, Divest and Harvest.
The word invest means to provide or endow someone or something with a specific quality or attribute. Most of the time, when we think of this word and what it means to invest in something we think of money, people or time. Each of these are resources and some you can never get back. Think about where you are investing your most valuable resources. I live my life by lists, and I accomplish a lot in a day; however, if I am honest with myself, I know I waste a lot of time majoring in the minors. I know that sometimes I do not dig as deep on some things that could bring me a higher return. This season is causing me to look a little deeper on what I invest my time and resources in so that I am more productive with the possibility of a higher yield (and I don’t mean just financially).
To divest means to rid oneself of something that one no longer wants or requires, such as a business interest or investment. Once we have spent the necessary time reviewing what we have been spending our valuable resources (time, money and people) on, we can then begin to figure out what is really important. We can learn to not major in the minors. We can make the main thing, the main thing. There comes a time that we must ask ourselves why am I here? What am I doing? Am I doing what I really want to do, need to do or was born to do? Well, now is the time to divest yourself of everything that no longer feeds your soul and are a waste of time and this includes people. Think about the people that take up most of your time. If they are not the wind in your sail, then they are a weight on your tail, and it may be time to cut them lose. How much money do you waste on things that really have no return or value? Something to think about.
The word harvest means to gather. It means to bring in. If you want to receive a harvest you must plant seeds. To receive a rich harvest you must plant, water and sow. We live in a time when so many want instant anything and everything. We use microwaves more than ovens and we prefer using less words by tweeting than a full sentence in a letter. We must put in the time now while we can if we want better results later. Invest in yourself and others, divest yourself of things that no longer matter and watch your harvest begin to blossom. Remember, we reap what we sow.
Visit www.WendyGladney.com and www.Seasonofgreatness.com to learn more. Wendy is an international coach, consultant, trainer, author and speaker. She can also be found live on Instagram @Wendygladney on Wednesdays at 12 noon PST.
