Over the last few months, we’ve witnessed an event unlike anything we’ve seen during the last hundred years. Such an unprecedented, catastrophic event was bound to bring out a range in human behavior. But through the good and the bad, one thing has proven to be true: humans are incredibly resilient and adaptable.
Eventually (hopefully) this health crisis will pass. But when it does, take some of the lessons you’ve learned during this awful time with you.
COVID-19 has forced most people to turn their lives upside down, cut out the luxuries, and make do with what they have. And even the people who entertain us have had to adopt that approach. Late night talk show hosts conduct interviews in their living rooms. Musicians perform raw, stripped down live streams for fans. And Tik Tok has exploded in popularity with people looking for quick, simple, no-budget ways to entertain themselves and others.
So what can you take from this?
Whether you’re running a business or considering a new hobby, make do with what you have. Sometimes limitations inspire us to find creative and unique solutions that become intertwined with who we are and what we do.
When we were preparing materials to market our game Swing Vote, one thing we needed was a video. However, due to COVID-19, we didn’t have was access to video or audio equipment. Instead of abandoning the video or seeking out an out-of-budget solution, we made a video consisting of public domain political footage and 2D animations. For the audio, I recorded myself on a very old iPhone. The result may not have been what was in our heads, but it gave us exactly what we needed.
The latest software and equipment is always fun to have—and fun to play with. But they don’t always provide a worthwhile financial return, especially to those who are just starting their journey. Focus your time on improving your skills, and let your business or hobby outgrow its current capabilities organically. The tools you currently have in your toolbox may have more life in them than you realize.