For most of us, living in our various parts of the world, we’re being required to stay at home and practice social distancing. It’s a tough ask. Depending on our circumstances, each of us is likely contending with different challenges. Some have lost their jobs; some are overworked. Some may be troubled by isolation, while others may be overwhelmed by new family responsibilities. Life is different now, and it’s uncomfortable.
In the middle of these difficulties, however, I invite all of us to try to remain positive, productive, and calm. Personally, I’m spending more time with my children and finding new ways to connect with people using technology. The current situation also affords a great opportunity to reach out in service to others. Many communities are mobilizing to provide food and handmade supplies for healthcare workers and others on the front lines of this crisis. Even little things like putting up signs to thank essential workers or being kind to grocery store employees can offer encouragement to those making incredible sacrifices.
While you’re sheltering in place, you might also take this time to study a new topic or acquire a skill you’ve always wanted to explore. IMA® is offering many educational resources free of charge through June 30, 2020, including the new IMA Data Analytics & Visualization Fundamentals Certificate course and the IMA Strategy and Competitive Analysis Learning Series. The Education and Career Services team is developing many new products, many of which will be free for members through June 30 as well. I encourage you to take advantage of this time to learn something new, including preparing for the CMA® (Certified Management Accountant) exam.
If I can offer other, even more personal suggestions: Take a break from reading the news. Try to practice mindfulness and other meditation techniques. Get exercise (as a runner, I’ve found this to be especially helpful). Live in gratitude.
I continue to commend the way IMA and its members are responding to this crisis—and for the leadership shown across all levels of the organization. I encourage all members to try to think about their response to this crisis from a future vantage point: Do things that will make you proud of the person you were during this time. May that thought guide the decisions you make and the actions you take.
To all members and their loved ones: Please stay safe and stay well.
You can reach me at christian.cuzick@imanet.org to discuss this or any other subject.
May 2020
