As we all lead our families, teams, and companies through the coronavirus it is worth talking about optimism. We all know that during a crisis we should lead with optimism. But does one stay optimistic through all the news, challenges, and new routines?

Here are six ideas to help you stay optimistic:

1) Stay focused on the big picture -- how do I guide my family, my team, my company, and my employees through these tough times over the next several months?

2) Ensure you make time to do a daily social connection -- daily 10 minute video check-ins with your direct report, a peer or two, your boss, friends, and family.

3) “Hunt the good stuff” — Use part of your virtual meeting as an opportunity to have each participant say one positive thing that happened that day. Can do it with a spouse or significant other as well.

4) Establish a routine and stick with it.

5) Get some daily physical fitness in. Even just 10 minutes.

6) Maintain some degree of work/life separation.

I also enjoyed the article by Scott Kelly, Astronaut, on how he dealt with the isolation on the space station:

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/21/opinion/scott-kelly-coronavirus-isolation.html