If someone had asked us three months ago what we would do with six weeks (and ever counting) time off, we would probably have had grand answers as to what we would get done with that time. Now that that time off has happened for many, though, what was actually accomplished is probably much less.

First, forgive yourself for this. This was not simply time off and was wrapped up with stress and worries coming at us from so many different directions that it would have been impossible to be productive and remain on task for the duration. But second, don’t give up on using this time if you still have some left.

We work with a lot of small businesses and I am sure that many of them would have answered that hypothetical question at least partially with ways to improve their business. Now, however, we see many of them that cannot do this because their business cannot operate. That situation gains someone the ultimate forgiveness.

Even when you can’t do all that you want, though, that doesn’t mean that you can’t be preparing for the future. And one of the best ways to prepare yourself is through education. This is why I suggest business owners check out some of what Dell is gathering into one place as part of their Small Business Podference this month (https://delltechnologiespodference.com/).

I don’t know if this is something Dell had planned for a while or if it was an idea that arose out of the current crisis, but either way it feels extra timely. It is a collection of podcasts from a wide variety of presenters all aiming to share stories and advice about succeeding in business. Chances are you will find a name you know involved, so give them a listen. Chances are even better that you’re going to find a name you never heard of before, so give them a listen, too.

After all, some of the best lessons come from places you don’t expect. If you only listen to the people you already follow, you’ll only ever be a follower. This is a chance to find some new views spoken by new voices. And really it’s only an hour of your life and we have enough of those currently, no? Or even better, if you don’t like it, turn it off before it is over. This will be much less awkward than walking out of a presentation at a conference.

There are benefits to this situation after all.