Covid-19 – A Hidden Opportunity!

In simple terms, a paranoid person is someone who thinks the world is out to do them harm. On the other hand, W. Clement Stone (a rags-to-riches businessman, author, philanthropist, an advocate of Positive Mental Attitude) was described as an “inverse paranoid” because he believed that the Universe was conspiring in his favour. He would look for an opportunity in everything that happened – good, bad, or indifferent.

The recent news about COVID-19 might make it seem like the virus is out to ruin our lives; however, an inverse paranoid could view this as an opportunity to:

– Spend more quality time at home with family, something people might wait until their retirement to do

– Use the quiet time to meditate and rejuvenate

– Stop and smell the roses

– Take advantage of the stock market decline and “buy low” to invest for a brighter future in the long term (although impossible to time the market!)

– Think about the goals and priorities of your business

– Cherish the experiences of what matters the most in your life

– Help those in poverty; the less privileged, and the marginalized. Your kindness and generosity will, in turn, help you feel more fortunate, despite the circumstances. 

– And even reflect on what will matter most when you die!

Socrates said, “Death may be the greatest of all human blessings.” Imagine how you would feel if you lived as if each day was your last! There would be no time for past regrets or future worries. The Sufi poet, Rumi, says “die before you die” embodying the wisdom of living each moment in totality, in its full measure. Then, when the moment ends, there is no pain, because living in the moment has been complete and absolute!

Two years from now, things will hopefully be back to normal and the Coronavirus will be a thing of the past. How will you feel then? You may no longer have time to spend with family, to meditate, to smell the roses. So, make the most of the time that has been created for you, to do the things that matter most.

While recognizing that the world is in the midst of tackling a grand challenge like the Coronavirus, you can still choose to be an “inverse paranoid” and see the opportunities within this difficult situation.

Prayers and best wishes that you stay safe during these trying times.