The Coronavirus pandemic has been with us for a few months now. Without exception, every single one of us has been affected, some much more than others. Most of us are looking forward to the end of lockdown, and returning to our pre-Corona existence, whilst realising that some aspects of our lives will have changed forever.

Some people have lost their jobs, others are facing redundancy and their thoughts are fixed understandably on financial considerations. Others may have reevaluated relationships, both work and personal, or come to realise that they were taking things or people for granted. Some are talking of new hope for the planet and a revitalised interest in climate change.

Whatever we have personally experienced in 2020 so far, we will have had time to think about the changes that have been forced on us and consider what life will look like in the “new normal.” This is a great opportunity to reflect and reevaluate our lives in the light of where we want to be, to perhaps reconsider what is important to us, and what we may need to leave behind. Perhaps it is even time to move in new directions.

Checking our self awareness is a helpful first step in any reevaluation, and if we can round up some personal thoughts about how the pandemic has changed our views, priorities and perspective, perhaps we can start to imagine what we want from our lives moving forward. If you genuinely want to make changes in any sector of your life, you need to know yourself first. Sometimes it is difficult to see the wood from the trees and, with all that has been going on, it’s easy to lose our way and struggle to have a clear perception of who we are, what we want and where we are going.

If you would like to develop some clarity regarding the direction in which you are heading, have a go at the questionnaire below. I can’t promise it will be life-changing overnight, but it may allow you to identify what areas of your life you would like to change. The questions are not all about how coronavirus has changed your thinking, some of them are basic self awareness, but I promise they are ALL worth asking!

These questions are not designed to be easy. The purpose is that they make you think! Some of them may even be a little uncomfortable, but you don’t have to share your answers with anyone. They are also designed to be a little ambiguous at times, but don’t worry about that. Whatever the question means to you, personally, is what is important.

Some people prefer to do this alone and keep the answers to themselves, but if you have a trusted friend, you may like to do it together, as the questions will no doubt stimulate plenty of debate and discussion! ❤️

1. What has changed most for you since the start of the crisis?

2. What aspects of your life would you like to return to when you can?

3. Were you leading the life you wanted to?

4. Has your world view changed?

5. What is your biggest priority at the moment?

6. Has the crisis changed the way you view yourself?

7. What has inspired you?

8. Who are your current role models? Are they the same as they were?

9. What is holding you back doing what you really want to do?

10. What is your greatest strength?

11. Have your values changed?

12. What daily routines have changed for you in the last 3 months and what serves you better?

13. Has what you like best about yourself changed?

14. Has what you dislike most about yourself changed?

15. Are you less angry or more angry since the start of the crisis?

16. What have you done during the last three months that you are most proud of?

17. What is the biggest lesson you have learnt this year ?

18. What will you not go back to doing after the pandemic?

19. Are you more, or less determined now to follow your dreams?

20. What are you most afraid of?

21. What is your biggest regret?

22. Do the people around you make you happy?

23. What was the main cause of stress in your life before the pandemic? Has anything changed?

24. Has the crisis changed your view about any particular people in your life?

25. Were you or are you, feeling stuck in a rut?

26. Do you settle for second best?

27. Who have you missed most?

28. How do you think others see you?

29. Do you see yourself as a victim of the crisis?

30. Do you feel mentally stronger or weaker coming out of lockdown?

31. Do you usually stand up for yourself and fight for what you want?

32. What are you most grateful for?

33. Has the crisis changed your priorities?

34. Do you have any new goals?

35. What has made you cry?

36. Do you consider yourself to be more or less motivated?

37. Are you living with/ in a relationship with the right person?

38. What activity have you missed most?

39. How would you like to be remembered?

40. If you had a single wish for the post lockdown world, what would that be?

41. Do you tend to under, or over estimate your abilities?

42. When things go wrong do you blame yourself, others or a higher power?

43. Do you believe in yourself?

44. Do you have a talent or gift that you hide?

45. Which 5 words best describe your personality?

46. Are you a risk taker?

47. Where is your “happy place”?

48. Do you procrastinate?

49. What makes you feel guilty?

50. What is your happiest memory?

Coronavirus has changed the face of the world and how we view it. Although we are heading back very slowly towards ‘normal’, a lot of things will probably never be quite the same again.

Self awareness is key at any time, but is particularly useful after a time of upheaval and uncertainty. When you can develop the ability to fully understand your emotions, personality, behaviour and how you react to others, particularly in a crisis, you will grow as a person, which can only have a positive impact on all areas of your life. The crisis we are emerging from has given us all an opportunity to reflect. Maybe now is the time to think about a new start. ❤️

“Everything is within your power, and your power is within you.”- Janice Trachtman

“Never underestimate the power you have to take your life in a new direction.” – Germany Kent