What’s the “new normal”

After weeks of quarantine and “stay at home” orders, we are starting to see encouraging signs of progress in our fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. While we are not out of the woods yet, our collective focus seems to be shifting to what life looks like after COVID-19. We are all eager to go back to some sense of “normal,” but some experts believe the pandemic will cause permanent changes in our lives, our psyches, and in the way business is conducted in America and around the world.

Changes in our world

Our world could change in many ways beyond our current social distancing and wearing masks in public. Companies are overcoming their reluctance to allow employees to work remotely. Business meetings could become more virtual and less in-person. Schools have been forced to accelerate online learning capabilities that could change the future of education. Everyone is becoming more comfortable with virtual meetings for everything from business to exercise classes. Online shopping has exploded.

A catastrophe on the scale of COVID-19 can also change the psyche in interesting ways. We can see this impact in people who survived the Great Depression and the rationing during World War II. The most telling residue of those times was people living frugally for the rest of their days, even through periods of abundance. At the very least, people may have an enhanced appreciation of things we once took for granted.

As we return to some form of “normal,” we may ask ourselves some important questions. We may think about what our world looks like during this “Great Pause” and use that to make smart decisions about what we want it to look like in the future. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Earth Day brought plenty of commentary about the benefits of less traffic, smog-free cities around the world and the return of native wildlife to city streets.

Changes in our lives

On a more personal level, can we take advantage of this incredible opportunity to think more deeply about what we want our lives to look like after the pandemic? Maybe jumping right back into the life you had before is not the answer. Perhaps some want to make changes that would improve their life and enable them to live more aligned with their true purpose.

Considering questions like these may help you determine what your life looks like after the pandemic:

1. What brings you joy?
2. What percentage of your time, money and energy are you putting into the things that bring you joy?
3. What have you truly missed these past few months?
4. What changes might enable you to spend more time on these things?
5. Have you discovered things you do not need in your life?
6. How can you make a real difference in the lives of others that your are close to?
7. How can you make a real difference in the lives of the people in your community?
   
   

Living the life you desire

While our role as financial advisors and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERS is typically focused on the financial side of our clients’ lives, the real reason for addressing these financial issues is to help you live the life you desire. That is the true purpose of financial planning — to help you think through the financial issues, concerns, and questions that you face, and assist you in making smart decisions in your financial lives.

Our role as your trust advisor is to help you understand the financial implications of the choices and trade-offs that you encounter — the ultimate goal being to help you live life to your fullest.

Greenwood Capital is here to assist you as we continue to transition to life after the pandemic. As always, we appreciate the trust you have placed in us, and the responsibility we have. As we move forward, we look forward to working with you to help you achieve your life’s purpose.

Investment advisory services are offered through Greenwood Capital Associates, LLC, an investment advisor registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).