TWENTY months ago and counting of living and working in a global bubble – the world’s most deadliest virus (Covid-19 or coronavirus) – has created a common rope that has anchored us in the same boat, but with different storms. Sweden’s behavioural guru, Thomas Erikson, shows how we can navigate out of the chasm
WHEN 2020 dawned, least did we expect that our world would be turned upside-down by a shadowy disease that would blackball our lives and livelihoods. In the aftermath of the horrendous HIV/AIDS debilitating disease, coronavirus continues to maintain its vice-like grip on the global society.
During this life-threatening pandemic era – the virus has killed 5 250 283 souls amidst 26 million infections – new omicron virus-detectors edged SA to 90 000 in a surge of the newer infection, Thomas Erikson turned his attention to a universal problem: What to do when things go wrong?
Surrounded by Setbacks Or, How to Succeed When Everything’s Gone Bad, could not have touched down at a better time, now when the coronavirus continues to cause havoc and how the virus is changing our psychology.
An expert of 20 years’ experience in studying, researching and writing about human behaviour, the distinguished Swede writer of three best-selling books provides a simple guideline with his tips on how to overcome personal and professional setbacks, and Covid-19 cannot be ruled out of the equation as the pandemic races towards its third year of reign.
The virus is taking its toll on the mental health conditions of billions, with millions bombarded by the mainstream and social media about the virus – all breaking news and statistics continue to heighten anxiety, fears, distress in a depressing world of uncertainty, job losses, pay-cuts and declining standards of living, while many are resisting vaccination.
The BBC says “rarely has the threat of a disease occupied so much of our thinking”. Again, our boats are drifting apart: “Too often it seems like our dreams and ambitions – whether it’s finally getting that corner office, lacing up your running shoes again, or building a flourishing relationship with your partner – are derailed by one roadblock
or another.
So how do we learn to take setbacks in stride and still achieve our goals?” asks Erikson, in Surrounded by Setbacks – a sequel to his highly successful contributions of Surrounded by Idiots; Surrounded by Psychopaths; and Surrounded by Bad Bosses (and Lazy Employees). Earmarked as a five-year virus, the challenges and crises of this universal surge of the scourge has changed lives and livelihoods. How many times we feel like throwing in the towel?
Erikson recommends the need for the right strategy when all hell breaks loose; or whatever curveballs we are facing; whether it is being made redundant in the workplace; a catastrophic relationship; and yet other curriculum vitae dumped in file 13 waste-paper basket or the shredder after another job rejection; and life skids
off track.
Erikson advises that the right strategy could get us back on the right road to success, job satisfaction, happiness and a blissful relationship: He draws on the simple four-colour behavioural model that he famously highlighted in his earlier works, Surrounded by Idiots, read by three million people worldwide. Likewise, Surrounded by Setbacks, provides invaluable insights into how you could utilise his tools to get a grip on yourself and take back control of your life and livelihood and map the road ahead towards a brighter landscape. It is a given that we will all face the unexpected curve balls, but with a handy 320-pager roadmap – enhanced by the colour-coded blue, red, green and yellow traffic signals, Erikson’s unique methods are bound to turn any setbacks into success.
So, how could we learn to face our setbacks in the stride to achieve our goals? Erikson gives answers to that question. He uses simple, action-driven steps and helps you to identify the “why” behind your goal and then create a concrete plan towards achieving it, and he importantly shows how to avoid a myriad of common pitfalls that derail us when we set out to seek something new.
His revolutionary style based on the four-colour system assists people to reflect on how they respond to adversity and provides them with the self-awareness to negotiate life’s unavoidable obstacles with sheer confidence. Erikson outlines the thrust of his guidelines and tips on High Will versus Low Will and borders the green boxes with the words “commitment” and “competence”.
This is how the four-colour chart can be figured out:
• For blue, read:
How you react to rules and regulations;
• For red, read:
How you approach problems and deal with challenges;
• For green, read:
How you react to changes;
• For yellow, read:
How you co-operate with, and try to influence, other people.
“Sometimes it just happens. Things go bad. In a big way. Sometimes you feel you are surrounded by setbacks, obstacles, and adversities. Little ones and big ones. And each time you’re overwhelmed by a feeling of haplessness.”
The story of our life? Well, help is now at hand – firstly go online for a synopsis on Google on Surrounded by Setbacks.
Source: Penguin Random House.
Marlan Padayachee is a seasoned journalist who heads a media communication strategy, publishing and research. Contact Marlan on: marlan.padayachee@gmail.com.
THOMAS ERIKSON:
In the wake of his other controversial and unconventional topics, including best-sellers Surrounded by Bad Bosses (and Lazy Employees) and Surrounded by Idiots, comes his latest offering during the reign of the Covid-19 pandemic from the Swedish behavioural expert – entitled Surrounded by Setbacks Or, How to Succeed When Everything’s Gone Bad
“Life will always throw you curveballs, it’s how you respond that counts.” – Thomas Erikson, who has provided leadership training for corporate big-brands Microsoft, Coca-Cola and IKEA
