Without exaggeration, 2020 is a write-off for many, while for some, Covid-19 socio-economic effects may have scuppered their plans, shaken their confidence and beliefs, making them question if they were ready for a new era as envisioned in their new year resolutions. Others may have received a boost from assessing their vulnerabilities and seeing how unprotected economically and financially they are, that the ramifications of the epidemic have encouraged and strengthened their resolve to press ahead with their original 2020 new year resolutions.

If you are not doing anything illegal, there is no right or wrong answer to what you may still or now want to do after restrictions, owing to the epidemic, have been lifted. By Nimroth Gwetsa, 27 June 2020.

Indeed, there is no reason to be bashing oneself for missed opportunities or increasing one’s protection against the adverse effects of the lockdown. Unless one is on one’s deathbed to have regrets, past mistakes and missed opportunities are simply lessons one needed to learn in life. The new era, post lockdown, presents opportunities to correct the wrongs and rebuild.

I know some may be critical of my views about the need to move on from lost opportunities, correctly arguing that I know little, if not nothing, about their situation, the devastation they have suffered and their destitute situation. They would be correct. I cannot imagine what suffering many may have experienced. No one should trivialise their suffering. And perhaps, we should lend a hand, particularly to those known to us and within our reach, as many as we could with the little that we have.

Those grieving should set time aside to mourn thoroughly and perhaps be given or make space to be free from other distractions and demands. Perhaps, even finding something to keep the mind occupied until they can gather strength to face challenges again. Sounds like a cliché, but this unpalatable situation too, shall pass and be replaced with a new era of joy and sense of purpose again.

The good news about life is that, just as there are periods of devastation, there will be many others of bliss. And when we are having a good time, we sometimes forget our bad past, showing that we are destined and designed for goodness.

Do not lose hope. We cannot always plan every situation and scenario in our lives, yet will never stop experiencing goodness. Therefore, if you are one of those feeling demotivated, discouraged and hopeless, you can still make it. Opportunities will arise. Just redefine your resolutions if they are a stretch for you at the moment. The revision can keep you focused, enabling you achieve other successes that could increase your motivation again.

Do not let fear dominate your thoughts. Fear is slow poison to the mind and body. You cannot stop feeling fearful unless you “cling” on something positive to keep you motivated and hopeful. Force yourself to rely on the truth you know about your strengths, your achievements and there having been many before us who had the same, if not much worse, experiences as you do. Many overcame and lived to tell the tale. You too can be among those pioneers if you can replace fear and negative thoughts with positive ones.

Be prepared to start from a low base. Do not worry much about your image. If you need to change location or people you feel pressured by, do so. Declutter, review your contacts, be more careful about what you watch, listen to, read about or follow. I am not suggesting that there be a total ban or freakish behaviour. Sometimes small things, like a negative (media) report, could trigger your ill-feelings again, hampering your recovery and achievement of goals. Choose your “drug” and do not let negativity be one.

If ever possible and without creating a dependency in the event you fail, try keeping in touch with quality people who can keep you company, help you look for opportunities or offer you good advice and support. If you do not have a relationship with such people, not all is lost. Find free podcasts of good motivators and coaches you can listen to, even during early morning if you find it difficult to fall asleep. The Internet has many useful resources you could benefit from. Make the time if you can.

I believe in the saying, “Give and it shall be given unto you.” You do not need to have material to be generous. Your time, skills, ideas, experiences and physical strength can be given to those in need. Do not trivialise the significance of what you can give, however small. Not only is giving enabling you to feel better about yourself for having helped someone in need, it can also open unforeseen opportunities to you as you assist others.

For those inspired, thus far, by the events of 2020, relentlessly continue pursuing your original new year resolutions. If possible, try to not even wait until normality is restored before proceeding. Act and do so decisively without delay. Delaying can induce a sense of doubt and discouragement. We are meant to increase and expand.

Do not expand your devastation. Overcome it with progressive actions. Soon, you will earn your reward enabling you to forget your past hurts.

Strength, hope and encouragement to you for your success.