I see a second angle that relates to current reality. For the Punxsutawney masses, Groundhog Day just was another day in their regular life. Whether we realize it or not, most of our lives generally are like the masses in Groundhog Day, and that’s not a bad thing. Most of us wake up at the same time, have the same coffee/breakfast, drive the same route to work, have the same lunch, do the same work, and spend our evenings the same way. That doesn’t make us boring, but just creatures of habit and routine. I never realized how much I love that daily routine until now, when it became completely interrupted by the world’s pandemic. I suspect that I am not alone.
Of course, I miss sports.
I have made my living this way for nearly three decades, so having the board barren is like missing a leg. But it is more than that. It is not just the routine of having daily action on the games, but more being IN the action throughout my day in Vegas. I miss my daily interactions with odds makers, casino regulars, and other sharps in and around the various casinos I hit each day. These relationships have been built, fostered, and maintained by being out there “on the streets” daily: listening, sharing, and feeling the heartbeat of the business. For decades, until the virus hit, not a day went by when I wasn’t either engaging with people to gather information or dispersing it to others. That back and forth is such an integral part of my daily life that only now do I realize how much I took it for granted.
While missing that grind, I also appreciate what I have. The past few weeks have reminded me that I am very fortunate to be in a position to help others, even if in some small way. Whether it is sharing knowledge and laughs through my social media, providing betting strategies and advice with content on the KrackWins app and website, or simply handing out water and socks to the Las Vegas homeless population, now is a time to give and share whatever makes you who you are.
To that end, here are a few of the Krackman’s tips to remain in good spirits until we get back to that daily routine that we didn’t even know we missed until it was taken away:
- Be very thoughtful and mindful about your media consumption. The news networks frequently are not much more than doom, gloom, and controversy. More than limited doses can be depressing and lead you into a downward spiral of negativity and anxiety. Take a time out and limit your daily news consumption.
- We may have to distance ourselves physically from our loved ones, but that does not mean we still can’t be together. Make a plan to watch a movie at the same time as a loved one that may be thousands of miles away. Start it at the same time and keep your phone handy to share all those comments you love to make. Use FaceTime, Skype, Zoom, etc. to have face to face conversations, happy hours, meals, game night, and other interactions.
- Explore a podcast or books or hobbies that you normally would never have time for. Expanding our mind in a new direction always is valuable. Hopefully, we will be a more understanding and thoughtful society when we come out of all this madness.
Let’s face it: life as we know it has changed, possibly forever in certain ways. We will always think differently about touching things in public, being in close proximity with strangers, and spending time in enclosed spaces. In the business world, the comfort of being in the presence of others might be replaced by a greater comfort with some distance. Instead of asking “Is there a reason to do this online?”, the question may become “Is there any reason we need to do this in person?”. I don’t know if that’s a good or bad thing. I just know it will be different.
Regardless of what the future holds, the oft-used saying, “whatever doesn’t kill you will make you stronger” is especially apropos right now. Embrace what is good and uniquely you. Stay safe, stay sane, and love each other, even if right now it has to be from afar.
