Often times in life, we look for that easy fix-it solution. Something that can cure everything all at one time. The magic formula. Something that we can hold on to.
Maybe it’s something that we’ve been taught in school about how people interact and the right or wrong way to treat others.
Maybe it’s some strategy that we get from our peers - to help us better navigate the ups and downs of this adventure we call life.
Maybe it’s a tool that you’ve developed over the years to help you hone a skill or perfect a craft.
For example, these days, I usually have a standard operating procedure when it comes to speaking in public - especially in groups that I’m not too familiar with.
My time at Toastmasters has drilled into me a certain mentality that I take on - as a magic formula - to help me communicate effectively in front of large audiences and crowds.
It’s not something that will work for everyone. But, it works for me - for the most part.
In many situations, I would often follow the standard procedure that was taught to me thru my years of attending Toastmaster meetings - and speak in that one particular style and format when in groups.
It was my magic bullet. My magic formula - to help me get over my fear of public speaking. And it worked and still works.
But, I’m beginning to realize that in certain situations it doesn’t work. Sometimes, I depend too much on the reaction of others to see if they approve. And if someone acts in a certain way, I often get a bit flustered when communicating.
It’s just something that I need to adapt with the times. There’s no one-size-fits-all policy. No magical equation that works in all cases.
Every situation is different. The people that I talk to are different. Everyone has different personalities. You just have to adjust your style to cater to the context that surrounds you.
And sometimes, I struggle with that. My mindset kind of fixes me in a certain mood or disposition, and I sometimes find myself unable to communicate as efficiently as I’d like to.
Because the mindset that works for me in Toastmasters might not work the same way when I’m speaking with my Cornell friends, or with my meditation group.
Everything needs to be personalized and tailored to each unique situation at hand. And I often find myself adjusting and juggling different mindsets back and forth - which can frankly get quite tiring.
One day I’m going into work with a certain mindset. The next day I’m going into my Toastmaster group conversation with another mindset.
One day I can communicate clearly, effectively, and confidently. Another day, I find myself overthinking and not being able to communicate as well as I’d like.
I still struggle once in a while when speaking in public - although admittedly this struggle is a lot more manageable these days.
Besides, in these times, there are more things to worry about besides a bit of discomfort while talking with groups of people.
I wish there were a magic formula for the coronavirus pandemic. A one size fits all policy that we can all wield to will the outbreak away.
I wish it were that easy. That I can find a simple solution or a set mentality that I can use to carry me through the day with a sunny disposition.
I wish. If only life were that ideal. There is no magic formula when it comes to dealing with this outbreak.
We simply need to support each other and stay strong together - taking it at a day-by-day basis. Some states want to reopen, while others want to keep things shuttered for a more prolonged period of time.
Everyone seems to be searching for that magic formula. That sword in the darkness that can cure everything.
For a brief (weird) moment there, it seemed like hydroxychloroquine was the magic bullet. But now, we know that is not the case through scientific research.
If only life were that easy and simple. That we can take a one step solution to wave this blight away.
I wish I had that formula. We all do. But, nothing’s as simple as that. The magic formula that can work wondrously in a certain environment may be untenable in another environment.
It really depends on a case-by-case basis.
Of course, there are guidelines that we can all follow to help slow the spread of this disease. Stay home. Wash your hands. Socially distance. Wear a mask and protective gear.
And these guidelines have been drilled into our heads recently ever since the outbreak has grown more dire. Continuing to follow these guidelines can help us further flatten the curve and save lives in our fellow NYC community. There are hopeful signs that this is happening.
Beyond that, that’s all we can do. There is no magic formula that can guarantee that this virus goes away by the end of May. Or by the end of summer. Or even by the end of this year.
We should stop hoping for a magic formula that will make our lives easier, and help out our fellow neighbors and community members when they need it.
That’s the least we can do in these times of distress. And the best way to help out is to follow the guidelines that are in place - encouraging us to stay safe and stay home as much as possible.
There is no magic formula towards re-opening the country. We just have to take it day-by-day, and trust in our political leaders and physicians to make a well-informed decision for the betterment of the community.
We’re all in this together.