Seven Virtues To Help Get Us Through The Final Seven Weeks Of 2020

November 15, 2020

We are entering crunch time with the Virus as the weather turns colder and conditions become ever more challenging. As a result, the simple math of contagion and risk is turning further against our favor. It is highly likely that the period between now and March 20^th (when springtime arrives) may be the most difficult time in our fight against the pandemic. Sometimes it is helpful when challenges are broken down into manageable bite size pieces so here are seven themes to get us all through the final seven weeks of 2020. Nothing earthshaking or new, but just a reminder of values that will help us get through the rest of the year and then we can embrace 2021 which in itself will hopefully culminate with the return of the world we fondly remember and will never again take for granted.

Optimism. Our scientists are making progress on the vaccine and the green shoots we have all been so eager to see have begun to sprout. It is too early to declare victory and there will no doubt be further challenges and setbacks due to science, approvals, supply chain issues, and whatever else that can go wrong. That said, we can all feel in our bones that help is now on the way and this optimism must not allow us to let our guard down resulting in unwise safety choices.
Empathy. This absolutely sucks for all of us and there isn’t a person on the planet who isn’t miserable about what this disease has cost each of us in terms of quality time with loved ones, career opportunities, wealth and health (mental and physical). That said, for many of us and despite all the unfortunate pain, the fact of the matter is we are fine. We could be better, but we really are okay. We have a roof over our heads, enough food on our plates, our careers will survive this, and our health has been more than satisfactory. The truth is that many of us who feel beyond frustrated are in actuality the truly fortunate ones. For many of our fellow Americans, this is not the case. Through no fault of their own, many are severely struggling because this virus has unfairly hurt those who can least afford it. Everyone who is managing satisfactorily needs to appreciate this fact and look to see where they can lend a hand to help others who aren’t doing well. The winter will be a lot less bleak if you do something positive for someone in true despair and has few options for help.
Perspective. The virus will pass and, in retrospect, it will be one of the most important learning experiences of your life, if you allow it to be. As we head into what may be the most difficult period, keep your eyes, minds and hearts open to ensure that you attain the maximum wisdom humanly possible from this dark period. This is when you learn the most. This is when you define yourself. Don’t allow yourself to miss this once in a lifetime opportunity for real personal growth.
Safety. My God stay safe. This is the home stretch. Wear a frigging mask when you are with people. Socially distance always. Stay outside whenever possible. Wash your hands often and practice good hygiene. There is no longer an excuse for anyone to pretend this doesn’t make a big difference. This is not the flu. This is not political. Many of us have friends who have died. We know others who were young and perfectly healthy, but nearly died. There are long term ramifications that we do not yet understand. If you don’t feel the natural urge to protect yourself, at least protect others. No excuses.
Appreciation. As bad as this is, it could be so much worse. It is horrific that it so badly and disproportionately affects the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions. But if you review history, there have been pandemics that have unmercifully preyed on the youth in society. There are plagues that have occurred that have decimated entire populations. There were periods in history where medical breakthroughs weren’t even a thought—the targeted population just needed to “die out.” COVID-19 is horrible but we must all be thankful for what this “could have been.” While we are on the topic of appreciation, is there any limit to the thanks that we owe all of our doctors, researchers, nurses, first responders, and the rest of the medical relief staff? If these fearless and selfless heroes can put themselves in harm’s way every single day to protect us, is it really too much to ask for all of us to show them our appreciation in every way possible?
Enjoyment. It is ok to smile, laugh, and partake in fun, even during a pandemic. It is what makes us human. It keeps us alive. It is the connection to each other that makes every fight worth going through. When you bring the respite of laughter to a close friend, casual acquaintance, loved one or stranger, it affects them deeply in ways that are too many to list. When you do it during extremely painful times (like in the middle of a pandemic), the impact may be more important than anyone can fully comprehend. Bring on the laughter.
Humanity. It shouldn’t take a pandemic to make each of us more fully understand and embrace our humanity and accompanying mortality. That said, if a pandemic doesn’t drive this point right into your heart and soul, it’s hard to imagine what would. One of the blessings of this pandemic is the cold slap in the face to every one of us that our lives are precious, fragile, and not under our own control. As scary as this is to understand and acknowledge, it is also a blessing that can serve as the loudest “wake up call” one should ever require. If this pandemic has awoken every one of us to the fullest extent possible and the result is that we all realize how fortunate we are to have our health and loved ones surrounding us, then we should be able to get through this difficult period together and when it’s over be filled with energy, optimism, purpose and gratitude as we make the most of a post-COVID-19 world.

Seven weeks to go and 2020 will be in the history books. Stay positive and together we will get through this.

Best,

Rich

RICH HANDLER
CEO, Jefferies Financial Group
1.212.284.2555
[email protected]
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Pronouns: he, him, his