As we are forced to
stop, it is a perfect time to do some reflection. A perfect place to start is
to do a SWOT analysis, whether it is about your own business, the organization
you work for, or your personal life. You may take the opportunity to tap into reflection
mode, focusing on how the current situation is affecting your situation, your
vision and what you consider your mission.
Companies and organizations
write their mission and vision statements, to motivate their employees, stating
the direction that management would like to see the organization going. In
Africa I saw these statements painted on schools and even small shops. It was
truly inspiring to see.
And from time to time
organizations perform a SWOT analysis, to reflect on strength that can be
utilized for new opportunities, to see where weaknesses exist, and what are the
threats affecting the reality of the organization.
I used to consider
that these kind of statements and analysis is something that needs to be ticked
and doesn’t have too much added value, something that just needs to be done. But
it is truly useful to stop at certain times and revisit your own personal
vision, as well as your personal strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and
threats.
As the coronavirus
forced so many of us in isolation, it also forced us to stop. We can no longer
go on constantly acting from the masculine essence, as we are not allowed to
leave the doors of our apartments, houses. We are forced to relax into the feminine
essence. This is perfect opportunity to revisit where you are, what you want to
achieve, how you wanna get there.
I would recommend you
to review your situation, your life around the following questions:
What is your strength?
What is it that you do very well, better than others? What is your advantage
over others? What is it that you do better than others? What are your values?
Be honest with yourself! And then think about your weaknesses. What are the
weaknesses you tend to be blind to. What are you lacking? What are your
opportunities? What openings are available for you for something positive to
happen? What opportunities does it provide for you that you are currently
forced to stay at home? What threats are around you? What is it that can
negatively affect you that is completely outside of your control?
Once you have
examined all four aspects of SWOT, you will likely be faced with a long list of
potential actions to take. You may want to build on your strengths, boost your
weaker areas, head off any threats, and exploit every opportunity. It may lead
to revisiting your prior mission and vision statements.
When you take action after
such detailed consideration, then it will be truly coming from your core, it
will have power and not force, and will highly likely lead to better outcomes,
then if you were simply responding to the situations.
Good luck with your reflections.
