Featured Image Credit: Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
In 2018 Hurricane Sally barreled toward the Gulf Coast. It is difficult to leave as freeways, and evacuation routes fill with humanity. Experts spent the coming days attempting to predict the pathway with increasing futility. When they know, it's too late.
Many people in American South don't fear hurricanes. They've had them. If you live in a flood zone, leave. Otherwise, most people will wait it out. Food stores and fuel are the best items to prep. There is no telling with the combination of rain and wind can do to trees, utility poles, and roadways.
As Sally made landfall, the wind was ferocious. Our house has some big sturdy oak tree limbs draping over the roof. Luckily the limbs held and didn't crash through the roof.
The trees outside shook and swayed violently. The wind pushed toward the side like a giant was leaning against each one.
Wind and rain continue for a few hours. The storm was moving slowly. The danger of a slow-moving storm is the rain soaking the ground. The softer soil makes it easier for the wind to uproot the trees. Many trees fell across major roadways as a result.
We didn't get the calm of the eye. The wind continued until the hurricane finally passed. In the end, many homes ended up with trees through the roof. The wind knocked trees into powerlines and millions, including us, found themselves in the dark.
When you have no electricity, you realize how much you depend on it. For us, it was daytime, but it was hot. No air conditioner. No stove or oven. No electronics. For five days.
It became an old comedy bit I heard years ago from Dave Mordal. Once the electricity goes out, people will say, "Powers out, guess I'll microwave a snack. Damn! Power's out. Guess I'll turn on the T.V. Whoops, power's out."
In Pixar's storytelling class, one technique for fleshing out a character is the elevator test. Put your character in an elevator, then kill the power. The elevator stops. How do they handle the crises?
In these moments, when difficulties arise, it provides a barometer for you to determine who you are.
Who are you? How do you handle a disaster?
Easier said than done. When facing any crisis, you can take steps to avoid it taking over your life. This concept is powerful not only in our personal lives but in our professional lives.
When a business deal goes south, you struggle to make an income, and the prospects dry up. The process is the same for every situation.
How do we overcome when disasters strike?
One Step at a Time
Playing the 'wish you would have game is familiar in the aftermath of disasters. Wishing you had advertised at that event or wished you had prepared. Wishing you would have cut that tree before it became a problem.
Should've, would've, could've doesn't help the current situation. Instead, we push forward by figuring out the next step.
Okay, you have damage. Try to mitigate more damage by plugging holes to prevent water damage from the rain. If a home is compromised, get everyone out and to a safer location.
In business, identify the issues and determine the next step. If you are losing clients, where are they going? Why? Maybe a new hire has been providing less-than-satisfactory quality. Maybe a new pricing guide you need to adjust.
You can only move one step at a time. Figure out what is next, then do it. Determine what comes after that step. Then the next step. You can't make time fast forward until the problem is past, so stop worrying about the past.
Use the should've, would've, to better prepare yourself for the future.
Dark Clouds Pass
The initial moments will be a struggle. It will be difficult and slow to rebuild. The jammed up traffic and no more available gas at gas stations. Sitting without electricity was difficult-the muggy heat, no air conditioner.
You aren't sure when it'll be back to normal. You do the best you can to weather the storm.
Eventually, roadways cleared off, and the power was back on.
The clean-up crews swing through and remove debris, and life returns to normal.
Life is ever-changing. As a result, it won't stay the same forever. Bad times pass, and good times arrive.
Don't despair in the dark; the good times will come.
Ask Questions
Ask questions. Ask people what next steps you need to take. Talk with mentors or other business owners. Talk to people at your job. A friend of mine was having an issue where his employees were suddenly leaving his employ. He had ten employees, and seven had left within a week.
I told him he should do exit interviews. Ask them why they left. You need to know if it's your leadership or lack thereof or the pay structure. The more you learn, it prevents there from being issues in the future.
Ask yourself questions. What is the problem? Why? What are the potential solutions? Let's say you run a construction company. You have ten employees and work them 12 hours a day almost every day. How long will it continue? People get exhausted.
Should you adjust their hours to prevent them all from leaving?
Always ask questions. Ask the insurance company what to do next. Ask the police or emergency services what needs to happen.
What's Next?
Disasters strike. You could be losing revenue losing employees.
What problems are you facing? Whether personal or professional, these tips can help.
Take everything one step at a time. Worry about what you need to do next. It can be difficult not to worry about a month down the road, but you must navigate here to get there.
Pain is temporary. The dark seems eternal, but it will always give way to light. It may take longer than you'd prefer, but it will end. Don't let it get you down.
Educate yourself. Ask questions. It may be a new issue you've never experienced. Seek out people who have and get their opinion or guidance.
We all struggle, and it can surprise us. The key is to stay calm and focused. Don't let it get you down, and keep pushing forward. There are better days ahead.