Turns out Covid-19, the bug that crashed uninvited into our lives and refused to leave until we’d learnt our lesson, has actually taught us a thing or two. As we move forwards into a post-Covid world, it’s important not to lose sight of these lessons. So what did you learnt? Was it the same or different to what other Western Australians or Americans learnt?
To this end we tapped into some research conducted by professional field team Thinkfield, amongst 270 West Australians. We also conducted our own qualitative research amongst 55 West Australians and undertook a survey of 120 American citizens. Results have been presented in two eBooks and PDF reports.
The West Australian research unearthed 40 lessons about life and ourselves, while American respondents identified 20 lesson. The results have been published in two separate short reports and eBooks.
Below are ten of the lessons learnt, in no particular order.
- The fragility of life
As would be expected a frequent comment was about not taking life for granted. This included the realization that “life is short”, “fragile” and “can change in an instant”. American respondents went further taking about the “lack of control”, “uncertainty” and inability to predict the future. Consequently, there were several comments about “making the most of” and “valuing every day”. Furthermore, some respondents felt it was important to have your priorities in order.
2. The importance of family
Across both geographical samples, respondents spoke about the importance of family. Several respondents talked about “reacquainting” themselves with family, which was a sad reflection of how they had drifted apart.
3. Improved community spirit
West Australian respondents spoke about there being a more positive community spirit. That people were more likely to smile, say hello and offers to help each other e.g. offering to pick up something for them while at the shops. One respondent mentioned “a pandemic of kindness”. Having said this, some respondents conceded that difficult times bringing out both “the best and worst in people”, as witness with the toilet paper fiasco.
4. Awareness of personal hygiene and public cleanliness
Personal and public health were top issues reported across both samples. Respondents were thankful to improve their own personal health strategies e.g. hand washing. They also appreciated becoming more aware of public health issues such as the need to wipe down shopping trollies.
5. Living with less
With only essential retail outlets being open, respondents learnt that they could live with less. Confronted with empty shelves, they had no choice.
6. Natural penicillin
Recent years has seen an increasing focus on green medicine with family doctors reminding people to get out into nature. West Australian respondents spoke glowingly about the number of people walking around their neighbourhood, the number of families gathering in parks and the number of people on bicycles.
7. Leadership
West Australian respondents spoke about the absolute delight in watching all sides of the political landscape working side by side to address the issue, with no shouting or name calling. Some felt that, aside from getting things happening in record speed, this change in attitude provided a wonderful example for the next generation. Similarly, some of the American respondents mentioned good examples of leadership but confined this to the local community level.
8. The less fortunate and the elderly
Early on during the pandemic comment was made that any elderly contracting the disease would not be resuscitated. This message proved upsetting for the elderly who work tireless to make it through each day. Thankfully, the likes of Captain Thomas Moore had people rethinking the value of the elderly. Having already served time defending his country, at 99 years of age Captain Thomas walked over 100 laps of his backyard using a walker, thereby raising over $50 million.
Similarly, an initiative that saw some of Western Australia’s homeless citizens quarantined in five-star hotels was highly commended.
9. Personal truth lessons
Across both geographical areas, though particularly in the USA, respondents mentioned learning personal truths. These included things like: realising their level of resilience; their need for people/friends; for external motivation; the value of life beyond work; and the joy of hugging.
10. Technology for good not evil
According to a survey undertaken by Thinkfield one in two West Australians (54%) had talked to someone via a video link up during April. In addition, one in ten (8%) had been involved in an online group meeting. Consequently, they learnt the power of technology. They also learnt how not to look bored during online meetings and the importance of camera placement, particularly during online gym sessions.
And let’s not forget the big lesson that we all learnt early on. Never, ever, ever allow your toilet roll stash to dwindle below three months’ worth.
So there you go. What did you learn about life or yourself? Was it the same or different?
The results have been presented in two eBooks for the general public ($11.99 (AUS) each) through Amazon.
Covid-19: 40 Lessons Learnt about Life and Ourselves (WA edition) click here
Covid-19: 20 Lessons Learnt about Life and Ourselves (USA edition) click here
Results have also been provided in two PDF reports for $200 (AUS) each, plus gst. If you are interested in a copy email me at admin@glennysmarsdon.com.
My heart goes out to anyone who lost a loved one to Covid-19. Having lost a partner some time ago, I cannot begin to fathom doing so during a time of isolation and limited funeral procedures. Similarly, being a freelancer and having lost many contracts overnight, I hope anyone grappling to keep a business afloat receives a lifeline.
Keep well and safe everyone.
