It takes 90 days to form a habit and during this new normal we have had to create new habits quickly: it’s been that kind of year. If you are like most of us, you may have found some ways to enjoy more time at home while struggling with the new normal. Maybe this past year was filled with taking up new hobbies, like a focus on fitness (a walk with a cigar), or a greater appreciation for your family and significant other and that is awesome! Yet, if your reaction to the changes we faced resulted in some extra weight, extra stress, and a craving for more interaction and structure in your life, that is understandable. Most likely you faced a combination of all that. Regardless, after more than a year of this new normal, everything is about to change again! I have a feeling that what was old is coming back, only better; as it should.
We have had to adapt to a new normal in a short amount of time. As facets of our old lives continue to open up and restrictions relax, I feel like we are about to embrace another type of normal; one that is a combination of the old and new norma
l. I hear from many leaders that once things really open up, the work environment for them will be a hybrid of in-office and remote work. School may become different, and restaurants may continue to offer all weather outdoor dining options. Our previous mindset of work-life balance will become one of work-life fusion.
A challenge we face in this possible new-new normal is that we are just getting used to our current normal, we made habits and now we must form new ones, again. We need to remember what the old normal was like, and going back to the way things were may not be as easy as we would like it to be. We’ll have to readjust to things like wearing real pants, shaking hands when we meet someone new or hugging as we greet a friend or relative, as opposed to the elbow touch (unless that is still your thing ?).
The theme of what’s old is new is a tale as old as time. For instance, many clothing trends are recycled each year, and while they may seem familiar, they have come back new and improved. In the past few years, we’ve seen a resurgence of chunky footwear, sweat suits, bike shorts and tie dye everything, just to name a few. Though some of these trends might summon a few groans from those who have experienced them previously, these trends are new for those who have not. And usually, when the old comes back, it comes back better.
As this new-new normal continues to come into focus, what are you going to do? What are you going to miss? How are you going to adapt? Do you have the right new-old wardrobe? Let me know.
“Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.”-Seneca
Have a great weekend,
Vijay