A bicycle in a river... and other virus madness
- Gill Coates
- Mar 29, 2020
- 3 min read
A few weeks ago, a colleague asked me whether we were planning on doing anything in clinic about this new virus that had hit China. At first, I was one of those to slightly poo-poo the concept of how dangerous this Covid-19 actually is. After all, I hardly ever get sick, and most of us in the healthcare profession are 'healthy' individuals. Plus, the hygiene and cleanliness in my Physiotherapy clinics (and among most healthcare professionals) is already pretty strict, so I wasn't too fussed at the time.
However, I ordered some additional anti-bacterial hand rub (when you could still afford it without having to sell a kidney) and I implemented a much stricter hygiene policy and got both of the PhysioEdge clinics scrubbed from floor to ceiling with hospital cleaner. I was adamant that we would stay open as long as we could.
The next few days were a whirlwind as the UK suddenly became aware of the seriousness of the problem, and I was trying to limp along and keep the business going, while still maintaining an ethical responsibility to keep the community safe. Needless to say, it wasn't an easy decision to close the doors for our face-to-face sessions, but it sat right with me, and I was relieved once the decision was made (the fact that I sat and cried in the car for an hour before I could step out and address my team about the closure, is by the by)
Some of my team members were incredible during this transition, assisting with the virtual video sessions and prepping our patients for this adjustment. It's amazing how people's true colours come out during these trying times.
So, anyway, here we are - 3 weeks from closing and I have learnt a few things:
1) You have time
There is no need to panic and try to take up all the hobbies on your to do list in one go. Breathe, breathe, breathe.... Make realistic goals for each day/week and only worry about things you can control. Use your anxiety tools (message me if you want any further info about these techniques)
Anxiety about things you can't change is about as useful as a bicycle in a river.
2) People are disappointing
Yip, you'll see the very worst of them during a crisis (often the ones you didn't expect it from). You'll see their selfishness and their greed and their absolute inconsideration for you, your business and for their fellow members of society...
3) People are amazing
... and you'll see the very best side of some of them too; their selflessness, patience and caring (let's hope that you're pleasantly surprised).
4) A virus doesn't discriminate between businesses
Whether your business was built on daddy's money, or whether you've slogged for the past 15 years, a pandemic doesn't discriminate. It doesn't care that you may have sacrificed everything to get there, and have nothing more to give. Both businesses might be hit equally, and you may both be left with absolutely nothing (or less than nothing)... so....
5) Stop and smell the roses
You can lose a business overnight with a crisis like this. In fact, I don't think anything in my business will be the same after this. I've introspected and realised that working so hard to the detriment of everything else for the past 15 years is worth very little when your business is hit. Start creating that work/life balance that everyone always bangs on about. Because if the mat gets whipped out from under your feet, and you're left with nothing , what do you really have to show for your time?
6) What's money if you have your health?
Finally - be grateful.... every single day. Be grateful that you have your health. Material possessions can be replaced, and are, (bear with me), not really that necessary in the grand scheme of things.... but your health... Keeps you going to pick up the pieces when it's all said and done!
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