In a recent podcast I listened to, the host asked, “What will you say after 2-3 months to friends and coworkers to the question…
what did you do during the quarantine?”
My type A personality loved this question and multiple possible answers popped into my mind. Did you write a book, start a blog, run a mile or five or ten, learn to cook new exotic foods, train your dog to do 101 new tricks, read a dozen new books, or….?
The next day a friend pointed out that while my reaction was full of energy and enthusiasm, others might actually feel additional stress and despair if this question was pointed at them. Her concern was that having to have “accomplishments” would add pressure to some people whose new life changes were stressful enough. It was a fair argument and made me consider how we think about accomplishments during this time.
An accomplishment is defined as the successful completion or achievement of a task. We assign value to tasks which influences how worthwhile we believe that task to be.
However, almost anything can be an accomplishment.
Finishing a home renovation, resurrecting an old hobby, homeschooling two kids for four months, or walking your dogs every day. These tasks all hold immense value for the individual and completing them is undoubtedly attaining success.
Your time in quarantine should not be defined by what you do or don’t do; it is the intention behind your actions that matters. Rather than worrying about how to strive for accomplishments that hold societal value, consider what simple tasks will add value to your life each day. While writing a novel might sound impressive, making a commitment to call your mom or an old friend each week can yield more significance to your life.
When life gets more difficult and is full of unknowns and inconveniences, it is important to pause and recognize the immense value in your daily accomplishments.
