Covid-19: How Will You Use Your Time?

A New Normal

We are all in the same boat. Our day to day lives have been completely upended and we are being forced into this 'new normal' on how to live during a pandemic. Those often-underutilized home offices, kitchen islands and basement corners have now become our workplaces and our gyms. Many people I have spoken to have made note that they seem to have an abundance of time which would normally have been chewed up in a daily commute or other daily routines that just aren't applicable right now.

Admittedly, I have found myself in the same situation, where I seem to have a little more time available and have found the opportunity to take on some projects in our business that would have likely been postponed for a month or two.  From my conversations I know that there are many people who are experiencing the same and so it begs the question, how are you spending your newly found time?

I have been pretty vocal about the fact that I feel there are two kinds of businesses out there right now. There are the ones who are bracing for impact and just hoping to regain what they have lost and there are businesses who are looking for opportunities in crisis. Now, I don't mean that these businesses are looking to profit on the misfortunes of others, I mean that there are businesses who are looking at what opportunities will be available coming out of crisis and how can they adapt to the changing environment.

Right now, there are millions of creative minds who are taking advantage of their 'uninterrupted time' and dreaming up a way to create a better tomorrow. Through history we have seen cases where people have done some pretty amazing things while being forced to stay home.

Isaac Newton and His 'Year of Wonders'

In 1665, a gentleman by the name of Isaac Newton (he wasn't a Sir yet) was forced into a version of social distancing during the 'Great Plague of London'.  On his break from Cambridge and without his professors to guide him, Newton found a way to thrive and he later called this period as his personal 'year of wonders'. In his self isolation, Newton continued working on his mathematical problems and the papers he wrote on this became the first versions of calculus. He wasn't done there. During his time at home and right outside of his window there was an apple tree – yes that apple tree. Although the story of him sitting under the tree and discovering gravity when an apple fell on his head is apparently dramatized, it is during his time away that he hypothesized the power of gravity, which made an apple fall from a tree, and he believed that it was not limited to a certain distance from the earth but must extend much further than originally expected.

Rising Up In Times of Great Challenge

The hardships we are all facing together in our society have individual and unique effects on us all. Social distancing looks different for everyone and I would never begrudge someone for wanting to take any extra time they have right now and use it for a well needed mental break. Especially for those of you who have kids at home right now and off school, the burden has ultimately become that much greater on your time.

But I do believe that there are many out there, entrepreneurs, dreamers and those who think differently who are approaching this crisis with eyes open looking for a chance to make a difference. They are recognizing the cracks that we have in our society, in our industries and in our businesses and looking to fill them or to completely change the focus all together. In times of great challenge there have always been great people who rise up and this time will be no different.

So, if you want to be one of those people then now might just be the time to dust off your resolution notepad or your strategic plan for your business and jump at the opportunity. Season three of Ozark will still be there for you in a few months, this time won't be.

- Grant White, CIM, CFP

Grant White is a Portfolio Manager/Investment Advisor at Endeavour Wealth Management with Industrial Alliance Securities Inc, an award-winning office as recognized by the Carson Group. Together with his partners he provides comprehensive wealth management planning for business owners, professionals and individual families.

This information has been prepared by Grant White who is a Portfolio Manager for Industrial Alliance Securities Inc. (iA Securities) and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of iA Securities. The information contained in this newsletter comes from sources we believe reliable, but we cannot guarantee its accuracy or reliability. The opinions expressed are based on an analysis and interpretation dating from the date of publication and are subject to change without notice. Furthermore, they do not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any of the securities mentioned. The information contained herein may not apply to all types of investors. The Portfolio Manager can open accounts only in the provinces in which they are registered.