(By Bob McCurdy) Usually it’s only one generation in “the barrel” at a time, the greatest generation in the 1940’s, their parents 1914-1918 and the Great Depression, now “the barrel” is jammed with Generation Alpha- Boomers. This fact could end up contributing to both a much needed societal and radio industry reset.
While “the barrel” is quite unpleasant, it will shed light on our true character individually and as a community/country. As the saying goes, smooth seas never made a skilled sailor. Each of us needs to walk our talk while doing some serious introspection and addressing the new reality head on.
The fact that we are in “this barrel” is no one’s fault. The blame game is a game played by losers. It is what it is and we need to deal with whatever hand we’re dealt as “this barrel” will mete out many different hands.
We can take an onerous time and do what we can to make it better or we can fold and cave. Our actions and attitude will determine the final chapter of this saga. Each of us has a lot of professional history that is yet to unfold and we alone are the authors of the final chapter.
This pandemic is a harsh reminder that life is a two way street. For the past decade, economically it has largely been headed one way- up. We are now in the other lane heading south yet it is within our control to jam the brakes and do a U-turn.
The current situation can actually prove to be an opportunity. How many times throughout our careers will we have as much time to dedicate to our professional growth and development? We don’t take control of our own life until we take control of our own learning. We have an opportunity to take control of it now. Spending time in “the barrel” can also contribute to us appreciating the little things in business and life that we have long taken for granted.
Uncertainty is disconcerting and the unknown is flat-out scary. It is up to each of us to replace this fear of the unknown with curiosity and an iron resolve to master it. As bad as thing are, for most, this is a tectonic situation, not an existential one. While our lives might be different when “the barrel” hits the recycle bin, we too can emerge recycled as better citizens and stronger professionals.
The virus is a macro level event of incredible magnitude but on a micro level, this will not be the most taxing crisis each of us will encounter in our lives. We can handle this, as our “winner within” will surface enabling us to overcome the current challenging circumstances.
As with daylight savings, we either spring forward or fall back. My money is on us as an industry and country springing forward.
Bob McCurdy is The Vice President of Sales for The Beasley Media Group and can be reached at [email protected]
