According to Monty Python in the Life of Brian, it was either the cheesemakers or the Greek who would inherit the earth. It was finally uncovered that it would, in fact, be the meek who would inherit the earth. Nice isn’t it – they have a hell of a time.
Not a new thought at all is the adaptable inheriting the earth. There is this theory called ‘natural selection’. This was born of arguments in big old dusty buildings regarding whether a chap called Darwin or a fellow called Wallace came up with it. Either way, the theory of evolution through natural selection is indeed a thing. You might be familiar with this in different terms – survival of the fittest? Whilst I don’t hold a degree in any sciences that may give me merit here, bear with me. It could be argued that a key trait in the survival of a species is in their ability to adapt. That is, being able to change under pressures from the environment, the weather, the predators on their tails and so forth.
To be adaptable under the umbrella of a COVID-19 world has different connotations than simply survival of the fittest. Whilst the theory of evolution through natural selection occurs over hundreds of thousands of years and relates to base level survival, the adaptability we are needing into a post-COVID-19 earth relate to our ability to generate income, feed our families, keep a roof over our heads, stay safe from a virus that is highly contagious and devastating.
We have been placed under lockdown where we have had to adapt. Looking at some examples how include:
Being able to work from home.
- Including the ability to do so without being distracted – ‘that load of laundry is not going to do itself – chance would be a fine thing!’
- Or being able to work from home without being able to switch off – ‘I’ll just check my email… one more then I’m done.’
Being able to tolerate others in your space for months on end.
- For introverts, having to share personal space is exhausting, even with loved ones such as children, significant other, housemates or simply the dog or cat.
- Likewise for the extroverts, having to tolerate the company of the same people for months on end without being able to spend time with others from outside your own house.
Being able to hold yourself and others together.
- Physically, mentally and emotionally – going to Woolworths once a week is my EVERYTHING.
- In these times we develop coping mechanisms, some healthy, some not so healthy.
Whether we live alone or in a crowded mess, these are key areas we have had to develop. We have had to adapt, pure and simple.
The key to being adaptable is being able to roll with the changes that are thrown our way. It’s not easy, but ways we can learn to be more adaptable is through learning. Discover new skills, knowledge, tools and keep exploring. Have a sense of adventure and find healthy focus points to keep you going.
Someone dear to me made note recently of how the calendar has been taken from us, our ability to look forward to dates and events. To holidays, to shopping trips, to coffee with friends or seeing a movie with family. What we have instead is the need to create small milestones to look forward to in each day and each week.
Look forward to family dinner whilst watching something funny that can remove everyone from their own heads for a moment. Look forward to board and video games (I do!). Share time online with those near and dear to you in many forms. We are fortunate to be living through this pandemic in such a technologically sound age. Make sure those of you who live alone make time to reach out and share virtual time with those dear to you. Play video games together, have a video chat, play a board or card game, share a meal on camera. Those living amongst others (families or housemates), take time out to be alone physically, mentally and emotionally. Use that 1 hour exercise time a day within your 5km radius (if you, like me, are in Melbourne under Stage 4 restrictions). Adapt.
After the dust from COVID-19 settles, the world will not be the same. Workplaces have changed. Businesses now realise they have the means to offer their staff more flexibility around working locations and hours. Education has changed. Schools, Universities and TAFEs are more familiar with the pros of being able to educate online. This is nothing new, but it’s certainly new to many. This is where Pop Education comes in. To make the most of educating your staff or students online. This is what we do really REALLY well and have for quite some time.
Take what you have learnt with you into the brave new world and continue to adapt. Everything changes and those of us capable of change and able to adapt shall inherit this earth.
