How I’m navigating the latest 2021 (soft) lockdown in Singapore differently

A few weeks ago, we launched into a soft lockdown. Despite our border control measures, policing the wearing of masks, and a vaccination program, community cases increased again. Ironically, in the wake of being complimented by global bodies for our COVID-19 resilience.

This May, burnout was officially recognised by the World Health Organisation. Whilst my colleagues and I thought “It’s about time!”, it was a step in affirming that you’re neither weak nor alone if you’ve burnt out or are teetering on the brink.

Precrastination is the act of charging forward with the quickest action. Sounds good in theory, except that this fervor is often tinged with impulsivity and can actually end up taking more effort.

Some of us love certainty. We plan, a little too much as some say. And we love templates for what to do. If someone could point out “If X, do Y; if A, do B”, we’d be elated. 

We often think of empathy as an amazing thing. Most of us believe that empathy is the solution to cruelty and aggression, and generally leads to better outcomes from sales to productivity to customer relationships. Hence, empathy training is recommended for anyone from prisoners to doctors to teachers. 

I used to have the most lax attitude towards exercise, supplements and sunblock that would freak even the most lackadaisical amongst my friends. Not only was I unable to see their current utility in my life, I also couldn’t envision myself as ever being in need of them.

There is biohacking, where we experiment with our body via fasting and nutrition to create major transformations. Then there is what I call personality hacking, where we experiment with our lifestyles in a way adapted to our personalities, so we function more optimally.

Bending over backwards to please someone isn’t just about being nice or considerate. It can be rooted in trauma.