When we speak and write about generational themes, we often reference shared major moments in life that define a generation. For the generation prior to Baby Boomers it was Pearl Harbor and World War II. Many Baby Boomers can describe where they were and what they were doing when JFK was assassinated. For Gen Xers, the Shuttle Challenger disaster is a singular moment and Millennials were shaped by the events of September 11, 2001. For Gen Z, the Great Recession of 2008 disrupted family life in their formative years. Many have asked what will the new Generation be named — the one who follows X, Y (Millennials) and Z? Already, demographers are labeling the youngest among us as Gen C for Coronavirus.
We should remind however, the events mentioned above in the context of understanding generations have profound impact on everyone. The experience we are all sharing right now of a worldwide pandemic shutting down our worlds and creating havoc with our businesses is a Defining Moment for all of us.
I recently recorded a podcast with Bobby Lehew (skucast with Paul Kiewiet) about a time when multiple disappointments and set-backs totally upended my life and my plans. At a most shocking moment of betrayal, anger and hurt, I called a friend out of desparation and received life-changing advice. “Paul, he said, “you are experiencing a Defining Moment. What you decide to do with it may determine your future.”
Because of this advice, I was able to make value-based decisions that did indeed allow me to choose love over hate, victory over victimhood and clarity to see opportunities that opened up in front of me.
As this pandemic rages through our country and the world and our businesses dry up and loved ones get sick and we cannot see the end or a way out it is time to remember that “This Too Shall Pass.” There is another side and a way out. We may not know what the future holds but we do know that nothing succeeds like resilience. Getting knocked down doesn’t matter as long as you just keep on getting up. If you need a moment to wallow or to mourn the past, take it and then get back up and move on.
This perfect defining moment is going to be very uncomfortable. We seem pretty hardwired to not like change. But growth requires change. Trust this moment and live here. No one can go back and change the past. So let go of the shoulda’s. The past does not exist.
Don’t worry about the future. Plan for it yes. React in the present moment with today’s reality and don’t write fantasies about how bad it’s going to be. The future is fantasy. It is not real. This moment is the only reality and right now, you have what you need in the now.
Acceptance of the my present experience did not come easily or comfortably but two teachers appeared with words I could own. Ekhart Tolle in “A New Earth” wrote, “Life will give you whatever experience is most helpful for the evolution of your consciousness. How do you know this is the experience you need? Because this is the experience you are having at this moment.” And Byron Katie reinforced that thought with the instruction to “Love What Is.” It is the only reality you have so you can love it or suffer. The only two choices.
Paul will be presenting a webinar on this topic “When It Rains Lemons” on Wednesday, April 22 at 12:30 EDT. To register for this free webinar visit: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8678262065348870668
Paul Kiewiet MAS+ is an industry speaker, writer, consultant and coach. He serves as the executive director of MiPPA. Kiewiet was inducted into the PPAI Hall of Fame and the MiPPA Hall of Fame. He served as Chairman of PPAI in 2007. A former distributor, he founded Promotion Concepts, Inc in 1982 and worked with some of America’s most valuable brands including Coca-Cola, Kelloggs, and Whirlpool.