Times are different, aren’t they? It seems as though that just a few months ago we were living in a very different age. But here we are, months after COVID-19 has caused many of us to change our routines and comply to new standards.
This begs the question whether we should rebuild or restart?
Many who are leading churches and other organizations are having to restart only to have setbacks with new procedures in an attempt to make church safe. This is not the only industry that is impacted as many nonprofits and charitable causes including foster care has shifted dramatically.
Social distancingIs a new phrase in our vocabulary. Wearing mask is a new practice that we must comply with. The news cycles are not just spreading information about a virus but they are spreading fear and uncertainty.
I often read articles and newsfeeds that talk about organizations having to “restart” their current activities; many having to get very creative in their efforts.
Many could be paralyzed during this time because they’re not sure what the next step is. I believe that if you don’t know the next step look ahead for hope is in the horizon. It’s in the long range that we find a fresh vision.
It’s time to start thinking long range on many of our efforts. Perhaps we need to be thinking about more than just simply resetting but perhaps we need to rebuild. This is a much different conversation because it’s not just about re-gathering or picking up where we left off.
The conversation is now about finding a long range answer. We must ask what does 2021 look like? Whatever the cause and no matter the activity that we once enjoyed, we have to consider what starting over looks like.
When we think about rebuilding we must begin with vision and create a structure that meets the objective in more meaningful ways. We have to consider the impact we could have on long range objectives.
Here are four questions we can start by asking:
- What is your mission? Everything has a beginning including the reason why you exist to begin rebuilding by understanding your mission.
- What are your values? State clearly the values that motivate you and help you accomplish your reason to exist statement.
- What can you do right now that is unhindered by the current circumstances? It’s important to maintain in the midst of obstacles and difficulties so do what you can do now while also thinking ahead.
- What is your vision and strategy when you think about rebuilding your objectives given the current hindering circumstances? It’s time to think fresh and do as you look at your long range goals and be creative.
Live outside the realm of fear and objections and think clearly, with a fresh vision for how you accomplish your reason you exist mission statement. Rebuild instead of restart.
Rebuilding gives you a fresh outlook for your future endeavors. When you restart you go back to previous parameters that made sense for a very different time.
Rebuilding allows you the space to push aside obstacles in order to think clearly. When you restart your limit your potential because of pre-existing conditions.
Rebuilding means reconstructing your future hope for why you exist. when you restart you pick up from where you last left off with no consideration for the future.
Should you rebuild or restart? I recommend rebuilding!
