It feels rather surreal to be saying hello to January 2021, still lacking the usual celebratory punctuations of Christmas and New Year, and with last year's painful wounds, having barely scabbed over, now freshly ripped open once again.
Our events industry is decimated. The hospitality sector is gasping for air and the supporting infrastructure for both, left on the side-lines. The Westminster governance seems illogical and confused - and the data upon which they build their twisting direction has been dubiously calculated, widely disputed, and at times found wholly inaccurate.
It's been a very hard time to be running a business or to be employed or furloughed, not knowing what the future holds, and now things are set to get much worse.
So how do we now deal with this practically and psychologically? I've observed on social channels, people seem to be meeting this over-extended hiatus with something close to blind optimism.
You've probably seen similar platitudinal posts on "staying positive", and "this will all be over soon" and "now the vaccines are here" etc. Optimism is useful, but rather counterintuitively is not the best strategy for dealing with crisis or indeed tyranny. To face down the dragon, so to speak, we need to employ more than optimistic hope.
The atrocities of the twentieth century taught us that measured stoicism can be a better approach to crisis.
James Stockdale, the US Navy admiral, and longest surviving Vietnam prisoner of war veteran, has some good advice to offer: Stockwell was tortured daily for seven years to the point where he could no longer walk. He suffered unspeakably at the hands of the camp guards, but managed to survive, while many others perished in much less time.
In what has become known as the Stockdale paradox from his conversations with Jim Collins, author of Good to Great, Collins asked Stockdale which prisoners didn't make it out of Vietnam.
Stockdale replied:"Oh, that's easy, the optimists. Oh, they were the ones who said, 'We're going to be out by Christmas.' And Christmas would come, and Christmas would go. Then they'd say, 'We're going to be out by Easter.' And Easter would come, and Easter would go. And then Thanksgiving, and then it would be Christmas again. And they died of a broken heart. This is a very important lesson. You must never confuse faith that you will prevail in the end - which you can never afford to lose - with the discipline to confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be."
So one should paradoxically believe fully in realising one's aims eventually, whilst staring into the brutal reality of what one faces daily, dealing squarely with hardship, in order to survive. Collins goes on to extrapolate that whilst living this paradox, one can acquire a balance of stoicism, belief and strategy enough to overcome most situations. I think this paradox may aid our industry much in 2021.
We will eventually get back to relative normality, but we all need to adapt and overcome the immediate challenges that we still face.
For individuals this might mean finding work elsewhere in the interim. It means that to constantly apply for jobs in sectors that are shrinking is a fool's errand. If no one is playing: change the game. There is honour in adaptation, and character is to be found in how one deals with the short term, to rise again in the long.
In the summer, I was buoyed to read on LinkedIn about a former team member from years ago, who decided to start a gardening service while she was between roles. I thought to myself, that's really impressive - she has what it takes. It took me back to when I was unemployed in my twenties, and instead of signing on, I worked for a removals company with a gang of Eastern European lads and we quickly became firm friends. For about eight months I had the best time, and I will always cherish that experience, as it helped shape me mentally and physically!
For agency and business owners in the events, experiential and hospitality space this year will mean diversification and adaptation on a grand scale in order to make the economic sunrise on the horizon.
Hard decisions still need to be made, and many more jobs will be lost when furloughing ends. I believe that bosses should openly talk to employees now so that people understand this fact. To be prepared is half the victory after all. Whatever the action taken, and whatever the toil needs to be suffered - we must not lose our resolve, nor our fight. So how do we prepare our minds for this?
Nietzsche famously said, "He who has a 'why' to live for, can bear almost any 'how'." And as we face more challenges as an industry, and more damaging economic policy, it becomes more important to orientate our minds in the most advantageous way. So, finding one's "why" is not just important, but paramount.
Another philosopher and survivor of the war camps of last century, author Viktor Frankl, in his book Man's Search for Meaning, laid out three main areas for finding meaning in life.
Firstly, a great love or relationship is in of itself enough to live a meaningful life.
Secondly, a vocation or job that one truly believes in.
And thirdly, and perhaps the option that everyone has a shot at presently, is that one may find life's meaning in the pursuit of overcoming adversity and suffering itself. So to allow myself to be momentarily optimistic, if only for irony: at least we all now have plenty of stone upon which to sharpen our spiritual swords!
Frankl's work has been developed further by the somewhat controversial psychologist Jordan Peterson who nets everything down to one meta theme: responsibility. And of responsibility, his most important substrate is to speak one's truth, especially to tyranny. Perhaps something to keep in mind for this year.
Maybe our collective responsibility as an industry, is to become more active ourselves, and also support the groups and individuals that already speak on our behalf, some of which I have listed below. There are also some links for those seeking help and support on a personal level too. If this is you - don't wait, please call a number today. You are not alone.
So I hope these great figures' lessons and teachings helps people in some small way, and here's to wishing everyone a better year ahead, eventually. I warmly welcome your comments.
Chris Dawson is founder of Ted Experience and Ted Staffing.
Forgotten Ltd - support for small business owners and their employees
HospitalityNet Covid-19 survival guide for the hospitality industry
Silent Nights
The Self Space
Samaritans
Supportline
Visit link:
Optimism alone isn't the answer to our problems - Campaign US
- My Friend the Gay Humanist | Esther O'Reilly - Patheos [Last Updated On: December 30th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 30th, 2019]
- Health and wellness fads 2019: What were the trends and what's to come in 2020? - Stuff.co.nz [Last Updated On: December 30th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 30th, 2019]
- I thought to raise a feminist daughter I needed to raise a tomboy. But now we both love Frozen - The Guardian [Last Updated On: December 30th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 30th, 2019]
- The Decline of the Intellectual Dark Web - Merion West [Last Updated On: December 30th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 30th, 2019]
- Professor Loses Position for Committing a Grave Sin: Telling the Truth - The New American [Last Updated On: January 18th, 2020] [Originally Added On: January 18th, 2020]
- Natalie Wynn's critique of cancel culture (as someone in the midst of being canceled) - Hot Air [Last Updated On: January 18th, 2020] [Originally Added On: January 18th, 2020]
- Anti-Jordan Peterson professor accused of abuse of power by former colleague, students - The Post Millennial [Last Updated On: January 18th, 2020] [Originally Added On: January 18th, 2020]
- Atheism's second thoughts - WORLD News Group [Last Updated On: January 18th, 2020] [Originally Added On: January 18th, 2020]
- Self IMPROVment on the beach at the Reif - Herald Review [Last Updated On: January 18th, 2020] [Originally Added On: January 18th, 2020]
- North Dakota Game and Fish Department recognizes volunteer hunter and archery education instructors - Grand Forks Herald [Last Updated On: February 27th, 2020] [Originally Added On: February 27th, 2020]
- Here's What a Week on the Carnivore Diet Did to This Bodybuilder - Men's Health [Last Updated On: February 27th, 2020] [Originally Added On: February 27th, 2020]
- Podcast giant Joe Rogan coming to Tampas Amalie Arena - Tampa Bay Times [Last Updated On: February 27th, 2020] [Originally Added On: February 27th, 2020]
- EXCLUSIVE: Update on the health of Dr. Jordan B. Peterson - The Post Millennial [Last Updated On: February 27th, 2020] [Originally Added On: February 27th, 2020]
- Japanese Herbivore Men Become Unlikely Heroes of Mens Rights Movement - JAPAN Forward [Last Updated On: March 24th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 24th, 2020]
- Prof still fighting school's demand to call he a 'she' - OneNewsNow [Last Updated On: March 24th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 24th, 2020]
- The Fraught Relationship Between Religion and Epidemiology - Merion West [Last Updated On: March 24th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 24th, 2020]
- Bernie needs to step back and let other progressive leaders flourish especially women - Salon [Last Updated On: March 24th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 24th, 2020]
- DeSmogBlog: Climate Activist Site Smears Freeman Dyson and Other Scientists - American Council on Science and Health [Last Updated On: March 24th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 24th, 2020]
- Five hours to change your life with Jordan Peterson - Patheos [Last Updated On: March 24th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 24th, 2020]
- The carnivore confessions: I've never felt better than on my meat-only diet - The Spectator USA [Last Updated On: March 24th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 24th, 2020]
- The Critics of Social Justice, from Jonah Goldberg to Jordan Peterson - Merion West [Last Updated On: March 24th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 24th, 2020]
- How Joe Rogan and Eric Weinstein Sinned - Thrive Global [Last Updated On: April 9th, 2020] [Originally Added On: April 9th, 2020]
- Bird Droppings: Arizona Cardinals preparing for virtual draft, Jordan Phillips looks to build on career year - Revenge of the Birds [Last Updated On: April 9th, 2020] [Originally Added On: April 9th, 2020]
- Reading in the Age of Coronavirus - Merion West [Last Updated On: April 9th, 2020] [Originally Added On: April 9th, 2020]
- Chris Harris Jr., Named to NFL's All-Decade Team - Kansas Jayhawks [Last Updated On: April 11th, 2020] [Originally Added On: April 11th, 2020]
- The Shares Of Graco Are Still Overpriced - Seeking Alpha [Last Updated On: April 24th, 2020] [Originally Added On: April 24th, 2020]
- There Was Only One Player Michael Jordan Feared Playing, According To Former Teammate At UNC - BroBible [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2020] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2020]
- Dave Rubin is out of ideas - Business Insider - Business Insider [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2020] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2020]
- Why are the Pats suddenly betting favorites to land Cam Newton? - NBCSports.com [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2020] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2020]
- The Problem with Edmund Burke and Defenders of Tradition - Merion West [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2020] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2020]
- Russell Brand And Ricky Gervais Are Just What Your Brain Needs - The Federalist [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2020] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2020]
- Patriots Draft Pick Has Right-Wing Paramilitary Gang Tattoo. But It's OK, He Didn't Know What It Meant - The Root [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2020] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2020]
- Justin Amash could lead conservative reformation - Spring Hope Enterprise [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2020] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2020]
- Watch now: Remembering Michael Jordans 1982 weekend and loss to TU at the Mabee Center - Tulsa World [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2020] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2020]
- Dave Rubin Talks To Shapiro About Learning From Jordan Peterson On Tour - The Daily Wire [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2020] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2020]
- Jordan Peterson and Carl Jung's Worldviews Have Been Greatly Oversimplified - Merion West [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2020] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2020]
- Congratulation To All 278 Class Of 2020 Graduates - Los Alamos Reporter [Last Updated On: May 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: May 17th, 2020]
- Mohamed and the Mountain | Annette Poizner | The Blogs - The Times of Israel [Last Updated On: May 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: May 17th, 2020]
- Wisconsin Bars Flooded With Traffic, Or Are They? - TheStreet [Last Updated On: May 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: May 17th, 2020]
- Cardinals reportedly have interest in Everson Griffen - NBCSports.com [Last Updated On: May 24th, 2020] [Originally Added On: May 24th, 2020]
- The Indy Book Club: Convenience Store Woman is a gothic love story with a sickly capitalist kink - The Independent [Last Updated On: May 24th, 2020] [Originally Added On: May 24th, 2020]
- Graduation 2020: Westby Area High School - The Westby Times [Last Updated On: May 24th, 2020] [Originally Added On: May 24th, 2020]
- Jonathan Kay: It takes a true artist to find new ways to shock the conscience. Kent Monkman has done that - National Post [Last Updated On: May 24th, 2020] [Originally Added On: May 24th, 2020]
- Patrick Peterson says 2020 Cardinals are, on paper, best team he has been on - Cards Wire [Last Updated On: May 24th, 2020] [Originally Added On: May 24th, 2020]
- Quade Cooper's Carnivore Diet Could Be Your Ticket To Becoming A Shredded Beast But At What Cost? - DMARGE [Last Updated On: May 24th, 2020] [Originally Added On: May 24th, 2020]
- Why Hungarys Viktor Orbn is the American rights favorite strongman - Vox.com [Last Updated On: May 24th, 2020] [Originally Added On: May 24th, 2020]
- The one ACC team Michael Jordan wanted to beat most while at North Carolina - Sporting News [Last Updated On: May 24th, 2020] [Originally Added On: May 24th, 2020]
- PGA Tour: Colonial right now wont have fans even though Texas says it... - Golf.com [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2020] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2020]
- BOOKS Preaching to the converted? - Morning Star Online [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2020] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2020]
- 'Things fall apart': the apocalyptic appeal of WB Yeats's The Second Coming - The Guardian [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2020] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2020]
- Patrick Peterson sees 'championship-caliber team from top to bottom' in Cardinals - Cards Wire [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2020] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2020]
- Jordan Peterson on the Resurrection | Adrian Warnock - Patheos [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2020] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2020]
- Here are some ways your family can manage the stress of the pandemic - KGUN [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2020] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2020]
- Quick Hits: Commish on the Cardinals | St. Louis Cardinals - STLtoday.com [Last Updated On: June 20th, 2020] [Originally Added On: June 20th, 2020]
- New troopers receive badges and take oath for NSP Friday - knopnews2 [Last Updated On: June 20th, 2020] [Originally Added On: June 20th, 2020]
- The best way to teach critical thinking - Daily Trust [Last Updated On: June 20th, 2020] [Originally Added On: June 20th, 2020]
- Speaking truth to power - Winnipeg Free Press [Last Updated On: June 20th, 2020] [Originally Added On: June 20th, 2020]
- Gwich'in Tribal Council election to go ahead this summer - CBC.ca [Last Updated On: June 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: June 21st, 2020]
- What are the Gilbert mayor and council races about? What to know before you vote - AZCentral [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2020]
- The One Time Michael Jordan Wore Another Player's Shoes in an NBA Game - Sportscasting [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2020]
- 5 Celebrities Who Got Really Sick After Going on an All-Meat Diet - One Green Planet [Last Updated On: September 19th, 2020] [Originally Added On: September 19th, 2020]
- What is cultural Marxism and is it really taking over universities everywhere? - Scroll.in [Last Updated On: September 19th, 2020] [Originally Added On: September 19th, 2020]
- To My Son: Men Have to Allow Ourselves to Be Loved - The Atlantic [Last Updated On: September 19th, 2020] [Originally Added On: September 19th, 2020]
- Heiresses on the Barricades - City Journal [Last Updated On: September 19th, 2020] [Originally Added On: September 19th, 2020]
- Peterson takes three games from Boerne South | Other Sports - Community journal [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2020] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2020]
- The numbers that prove Meteorettes are something special - Daily Mercury [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2020] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2020]
- Welcome back, Jordan Peterson we need you more than ever - The Conservative Woman [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2020] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2020]
- Fagan: LaFrance weaves a tangled web; deception her only path to victory - Must Read Alaska [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2020] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2020]
- Jordan Peterson Back Home, 'With God's Grace and Mercy' Resumes Life - The Federalist [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2020] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2020]
- Jordan Peterson and the Return of Solzhenitsyn - Merion West [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2020] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2020]
- The Government's Reckless Student Lending is Creating a Budget Hole Akin to the 2008 Crisis, New Analysis Shows | Brad Polumbo - Foundation for... [Last Updated On: November 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: November 29th, 2020]
- The ghost of Lady Chatterley's lover protecting today's feeble-minded - Sydney Morning Herald [Last Updated On: November 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: November 29th, 2020]
- Publish and be damned. Don't publish and be damned - Sydney Morning Herald [Last Updated On: November 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: November 29th, 2020]
- Why Jordan Peterson's Message on Gratitude Is More Important Than Ever | Jon Miltimore - Foundation for Economic Education [Last Updated On: November 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: November 29th, 2020]
- Letters to the editor: Jordan Peterson's publisher mustn't give an inch to 'wokeflakes' - National Post [Last Updated On: November 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: November 29th, 2020]
- Freedom of speech at universities is not under threat it is actually thriving - The Independent [Last Updated On: December 19th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 19th, 2020]
- Sator Trailer Reveals a Deeply Horrifying Hybrid of Fiction and Fact - Collider [Last Updated On: December 19th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 19th, 2020]
- How to Talk to Your QAnon Family During the Holidays - VICE [Last Updated On: December 19th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 19th, 2020]
- You Can't Beat COVID-19 With Diet, No Matter What the Internet Tells You - Lifehacker [Last Updated On: December 19th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 19th, 2020]
- Hari Kunzru's Novel Red Pill Is a Literary Document of the Age of the Alt-Right - Jacobin magazine [Last Updated On: December 19th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 19th, 2020]