This is the sixth in a series of posts in which I share thoughts on a book that has inspired me over the years.
With the pandemic nearing its second year and “the light at the end of the tunnel” flickering badly, a growing number of people are reevaluating what is important to them, including the work that they do. Help wanted signs are going unanswered, and experts are writing about “the Great Resignation” they expect to accelerate as the pandemic (we all hope and pray) begins to wind down. For an extended analysis of this challenge, and suggestions for how your organization can better cope, see the McKinsey Quarterly article Great Attrition or Great Attraction.
The challenges will be greatest in healthcare where shortages that existed before the pandemic have been greatly magnified by the impact of covid19. As reported on their new Hear Us Out website, a survey of acute and critical care nurses by AACN (American Association of Critical-Care Nurses) found that 92% “believe the pandemic has depleted nurses and will cut their careers short” and 66% “have considered leaving nursing after their experience in the pandemic.”
While much of our work at Values Coach is centered on helping healthcare workers Stay Strong For Us, and helping organizations create a culture of Everyday Courage, I share this excerpt from Lucado’s book mainly for those who have determined to change their trajectories – to shift into a new career, start a business, write a book (or write poetry), start a band, or anything else.
It takes courage to change lanes in life
It takes courage to change lanes in life, including the courage to ignore the people who think you’re crazy for trying. This will include not only critics but friends and loved ones who are genuinely concerned for your welfare.
Ignore them. Someday the people who now think you’re crazy will be the ones saying “I knew him/her when…”
How Are You and Your Colleagues Holding Up? Please complete this 2-minute survey
We are in the process of pivoting The Pickle Challenge for Charity to raise money (hopefully a lot of money) and awareness to support the mental health and emotional wellbeing of the world’s caregivers who have borne the brunt of this pandemic, now in its fourth surge. You can help us direct that funding by taking 2 minutes and responding to this survey:
Everyday Courage for Extraordinary Times features 21 short videos, 12 eBooks, Leader’s Guide and Participant Study Guide. The course is incredibly affordable, easy to implement, tailored to your organization, and absolutely guaranteed to be effective.
Learn more by visiting the Values Coach website, emailing me, or by calling our office at 319-624-3889.