The fall has never hit so hard or fast before. A second ago it was summer. Two seconds ago it was March – when it all happened. Between then and now, many of us have had a burst of social normality during the July-August season after the still waters of lockdown.
For some that meant a domestic staycation (or for the fortunate and brave few, a far-flung escape), the return of a popular Netflix series (Dirty John just got a whole lot dirtier in season two) and the biggest back-to-school sentiment we’ve ever experienced after over six months of DIY education and working from home.
But still, instead of buying new stationery and setting ourselves some end-of-year goals, we’re faced with the brutal reality of an unpredictable end to 2020 – and the shocking realization that the cogs on this year are still in motion.
Now we’re asking ourselves if our offices will reopen? Will our jobs remain? Will the recession continue into 2021 and after? Will our cities lockdown again? Will there be a second wave or will cases continue to peak and trough? Pre pandemic, September used to be the time for a positive reset, now we’re too busy contemplating how this beyond strange boxset called 2020 is going to end.
Live Optimism
With a litany of unknowns, it doesn’t seem readily fitting to make anything resembling a plan. However, in the spirit of soldiering on and moving with the tide (and avoid washing up on dry banks), we say it’s time to embrace the usual optimism of September and find the green shoots that yield sure-fire results against this climate instead. For companies, that might be a deep look within to enable a fresh and considered outlook.
To use an appropriate adage, knowledge is power. When you understand where you are and where you want to be, take that moment as a win in the right direction. Business sustainability is the requisite demand to ensuring a safe and future-proofed position in the current economic climate. Right now, Digital Transformation is the linchpin of growth. Building up digital capabilities, strategies and initiatives is akin to being on the pulse of change, which ultimately increases revenue and reduces cost.
Think of leveraging on new technologies as renewed optimism for fostering stronger connections between businesses and customers as well as businesses with themselves. Whether on a company or individual level, being brought closer to your core is a catalyst for moving forward and effecting the right kind of change. If this all sounds like a lot of pressure, ‘at ease’, we say. When you have the experts to take the load off and deliver real-time analytics, reports and plans, the path is paved already.
All you need to have is some fist-pumping readiness to take that road map and follow the directions to your destination – while keeping an open mind for revelatory forks in the road.
This September has been a realization that shift happens – as unknown as it may feel, it’s the most known unknown. Let’s embrace the shift.
Evoke International.
