CONNECTION | COMMUNITY | COMFORT
2019 was a great year for Primal Adventures and 2020 was looking even better, or so we thought. Coming out of winter, the team were getting ready, training, developing new ideas, firing up for a great year. And then, COVID happened.
We already knew COVID was a thing, it had started in China, sweeping across Europe all the way into our everyday lives. We thought, “Yeah, sure a couple of people will get affected and, you know, it will be alright, it will soon go away. It’s just like the flu.” Three months later, the whole country was in lockdown. 2020 was quickly turning out to be the worst year ever.
During the initial phases there was a lot of uncertainty, a lot of panic, anger and disbelief at what was happening. Then the reality sunk in that it was here to stay. To survive, our business model had to change, and we had to change if Primal was to survive.
By default, Primal is a company that delivers unique luxury and wilderness experiences across Scotland. Our way of life started with our ancestors, so it seemed only natural that we investigated the past and take the learnings to help survive the present. Like them, masters of plagues and pandemics, we investigated the past to see how we could apply these basic skills in our modern world. It was time to clear the decks, focus on what we knew had worked in the past and like our primal ancestors of old maybe take a few risks.
CONNECTION
As time went by people became used to working from home, and a large majority of people became disgruntled about the constant Zoom and screen time meetings. Lack of social interaction became a bit of a social norm, there was a real need for people to re-connect. Connecting with nature, connecting with family and friends, and finally connecting through amazing experiences and passing this on via technology through social media. Connection is something we have taken for granted, so now as lockdown continues the need for connection has never been greater. Even if it’s just a quiet walk in nature to find some head space, take time to shut down the internal chatter; spending quality time with the family or getting out and trying new skills it’s important that we make time to connect one way or another. No matter how bad things get there is always something you can give thanks and be grateful for.
“I define connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.”
― Brené Brown
COMMUNITY
Social distancing, lockdowns and travel restrictions have made meeting up with people practically impossible. Removing one’s basic needs to connect and come together with friends and business colleagues has always been the norm. Like our ancestors coming together in our tribes, we felt safe and secure allowing us to collaborate together with like-minded individuals to achieve goals more easily. Hunting, gathering, and protecting our lands and sometimes taking others. Community has been key in our evolution and development throughout the ages. Building a trusted community in business is no different, whether through networking or via screen time the need to keep up to date with friends and business associates is essential for survival. Now everyone is in the same boat, the playing field has been levelled. Perhaps it is time to reach out to someone you thought in the past would be too busy to give you the time of day? You may be surprised to find out they would be more than happy to collaborate. Building strong bonds, networking and collaborating in these tough times is a sure way to ensure one’s survival.
“I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work the more I live.”
– George Bernard Shaw
COMFORT
Coming together connecting and collaborating with like-minded people is a sure way to grow in life and in business. For our ancestors, only by coming together and feeling safe were they able to finally let their guard down and relax, hopefully with some comfort. Comfort means different things to different people. It could be something as simple as sitting warm and dry in a forest under a makeshift shelter with a hot drink as the rain falls. Or it could be chilling in a 5-star luxury castle with a few cocktails and some good company. Whatever it is, having the ability to relax and unwind after a hard day’s work or treat your family and friends to an awesome experience is a sure way to finish off the day. There is also another form of comfort and that is stepping out of one’s comfort zone. In reflection, after 22 years in the military, I found that some of my most profound experiences was when I was uncomfortable. I didn’t enjoy it at the time but once the event was over and I was comfortable once more I would often reflect and find that its only when we are out of our comfort zones that we truly learn and grow. When was the last time you pushed your limits and stepped out of your comfort zone?
“To achieve personal growth, it is sometimes necessary to move outside of a comfort zone. Unjustified fears can constrain exploration and positive development.”
– Eleanor Roosevelt
CONCLUSION
It is not the best but one thing is for certain and that is Covid is here to stay. All we can do is give priority to what we can control within ourselves. Our own thoughts and actions, looking after ourselves physical and mentally and taking care of loved ones. There is always positivity and good out there but in these dark times we just need to look a little bit harder to find it. Keep making those connections, finding those like-minded individuals who are going to help you grow and make you and your business stronger as you collaborate together in a positive way. Ultimately, we will survive, we will get through this. Christmas is just around the corner, where we can hopefully find time to relax and enjoy a bit of comfort. So, from all the team at Primal, keep charging forward, stay safe look out for each other and have a great Christmas when it comes.
