5 important things to do in lockdown

Often, we feel too busy in our daily lives to pause, reflect, evaluate and show gratitude for what we have. In past weeks, I have done a lot of stocktaking; reflecting on the past and what lessons can be drawn, or achievements that have made me proud. I’ve looked at many things I need to work on myself and well as re-looking at my values.

This pandemic, upon reflection, also shows just how fragile life can be.

Like many others, I am grateful for the people around me, for family, for good health and for life in Australia – we are luckier than many countries, with great medical resources and support from the government during this crisis.

I know many Australians are also grateful to remain in secure jobs while companies around the world face great difficulties during this pandemic.

Like many people, I am thinking about how to be better prepared financially, were something like this to happen again. Those who have been investing for a long time, are better placed to manage without income, for example. I am a big believer in investing, so I have put most of my money in property over the years, but I have also invested in stock and in businesses. What I’ve learned in recent weeks is the importance of keeping some liquid assets in addition to ‘rainy day’ cash.

Warren Buffett’s famous quote – to be greedy when others are fearful – is also very much front of mind. There will be opportunities in the current market – be it with property or stock – if you are a long-term investor.

At such times, I’m also reminded of the importance of watching expenses more carefully. I’ve always been a good earner but tend to be generous in terms of expenses or spending. From my reading in recent weeks about successful entrepreneurs I’ve learned that they all have a genuine respect for every single dollar. I’m working on that.

Now is a great time to replace old habits or bad habits with new ones. Whether that’s starting a new exercise routine, making changes to your diet for healthier eating or perhaps even reading more or watching good Youtube videos or listening to podcasts. The former can help with physical health, the latter can help you become mentally stronger to deal with crises or challenges.

In terms of what you read or learn about – it’s about working out what kind of knowledge you need. For example, I’m watching a lot on investment, which I’ve been doing for years. But with these changes, and people’s finances affected, I’ve been reading more of Warren Buffett and Ray Dalio, to better understand the economy.

I’m learning how others deal with crises like these, and how to spot opportunities.

On a personal note, I’ve also started learning to play piano; I always wanted to, and was going to wait till retirement, but decided there’s no time like the present!

With more time at home, it’s an opportunity to spend quality time with family and appreciate the home you have made together. Put away the mobile phone when you have dinner and just try to take time being present with your family or kids.

I’ve been cooking sometimes for my family in past weeks, making some of the kids’ favourite pastries.  I live very close to the office and I’ve still been going in, as there’s no one there, but when I’m at home, I am making an effort not to make or take work calls when I’m at home.

With so many elderly people affected by the virus, their life taken before their time, I’m also more mindful than ever about reaching out to connect with parents or grandparents.

Unfortunately, my parents aren’t with us anymore, but when they were, I used to call them every day – because while they were comfortable physically, I knew they were lonely, being so far away (in China) from their kids. My brother and I often discuss how much we miss them, and how nice it would be to be able to call / Facetime / Wechat them again. When this is over, I hope everyone takes the opportunity to visit their parents more often.

When Covid-19 first happened, people were glued to the screens, to the latest news, statistics – understandably, given the situation. I was concerned that people would find it difficult to push past the negativity. I also thought that many people probably aren’t so used to having more time on their hands or working from home. Earlier in my career, I was self-employed, working from home and based on this experience, and my desire to add value, keep our people in Ironfish comforted and connected during this period, I started sending daily videos to all staff with personal tips or messages. It started with one video, then I made myself a goal to do it for 21 days, and now for 100 days. It’s a challenge I’ve set – no matter how busy I am, to make sure I do it. But I am not doing it for the sake of doing it, my aim is to share my insights and experiences to add more value to my colleagues.

I am no longer ‘tech shy’ either, I film the videos myself, and at work, we are using online meetings and have adapted from live events to running webinars.

We’ve started our first online ‘EDU’ course; a signature Ironfish course designed to help you break through in terms of any career or mental obstacles so that when the crisis is over you can be equipped with a new way of thinking and new tools to become more valuable at work. Whenever there’s an economic downturn it’s the lowest value skills often made redundant first. So, we feel we’re making a difference; we have 400 people tuning in each night – re-engineering their future – which is great.