What new normal?!

Predictions for the “new normal” are a dime a dozen. A few weeks ago, they were nothing but hypotheses. Now as states reopen, we’re getting a preview of what the future might look like. But, it’s not yet clear.

Official policy is one thing, it changes instantly. Societal norms and individual tolerances are another, adjusting over time. For example, outdoor dining is available in 44 of 50 states. Only 40% of respondents have patronized a restaurant.

At one point, I described how VCs approach industries affected by COVID. One prevailing question was, “How do we know if this uptick/downturn is permanent? How long does it last?”

Physics gives us the answer.

Force of Friction

fric·tion /ˈfrikSH(ə)n/

(noun) The resistance that one surface or object encounters when moving over another.

(noun) Conflict or animosity caused by a clash of wills, temperaments, or opinions.

COVID created a lot of friction and continues to do so. Look no further than teachers and parents launching school-from-home. It was not a smooth transition.

In physics, the force of friction resists another force pushing against an object: