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Inspiration

Sweep the doldrums away

hen mid-winter arrives, people living in Time to take action
cooler climes often grow weary of ice,
snow, sleet, biting winds and other extreme This brings to mind a quote from Ray Kroc, who built
W weather conditions. On top of that, in every the McDonald's fast-food chain: "The two most important
type of climate, COVID is hovering for the third winter in requirements for major success are: first, being in the right
a row. Millions of people continue to lead lives that look place at the right time, and second, doing something about
dramatically different than the lives they lived before the it."
pandemic, with far less dining out, and far fewer in-per-
son events such as parties, concerts, workouts at the gym, It might be more challenging to see what the right place
trips to the mall, and more. and time are under today's conditions, but it is not more
challenging to take action. Something can always be done.
Monmouth University reported that 60 percent of Indeed, sometimes even the smallest action, like talking
American respondents to a December 2021 survey said they with a friend on the phone, will be uplifting enough to
are worn out by the pandemic. "The fact that Americans change the entire course of a day for the better.
say they have had enough should be no surprise," said
Patrick Murray, director of the independent Monmouth So if you feel the doldrums creeping in, don't waste time
University Polling Institute. "Every time we try to adjust stewing about it—take action. As Huffpost contributor
to a new normal, another variant pops up to put us on Thomas Oppong pointed out, "A decision alone changes
guard again." nothing. ... Being a Doer instead of just a Thinker requires
an insane amount of discipline and commitment. Doing
This situation can bring on the doldrums. Originally a involves risk, but it's the only way to make progress."
nautical term for a region around the equator where trade
winds meet and can cancel each other out in stillness, it Think about Newton's first law of motion, which states
aptly captures the lethargy and despondence people can that an object in motion tends to stay in motion unless an
succumb to at this time of year. external force acts upon it. And if an object is at rest, it will
remain at rest unless an unbalanced force acts upon it.
"The doldrums are the shadows that keep us from
realizing our dreams," John Cousins wrote in a post for Let's not be akin to objects. Let's all get in motion today
Medium. "Between the idea and the act lies the shadow. ... and take positive actions, no matter how small. As Peter
No action is usually the worst choice." Cousins also noted Marshall, a Presbyterian minister who was appointed
that research studies have affirmed that when people take Chaplain of the U.S. Senate in 1946, said, "Small deeds
voluntary actions they tend to feel less like events are done are better than great deeds planned."
happening to them and more like they are in charge.

Kate Gillespie, President and CEO

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