This is a time of work hours that feel long, lonely, and hard to get through. On those days I think of myself as a farmer overlooking a field that needs plowing. The field seems infinite. It's hard labour, but I'm the farmer, and if I want a harvest this summer, I have to start plowing. And what do I choose when I'm behind the plow? Do I whistle throughout the day, or do I elect to wail while holding the reins?

I was at the breakfast table with my wife, Kristine, the other day. I came to think that the COVID 19 pandemic somehow is like this endless field. Virtually everyone I know is in a markedly different situation now than anything they knew up until a year ago. In my own company, almost all of our conversations are about how to help organizations and employees get their spirits up, and better yet, keep their spirits high.

This is a time of work hours that feel long, lonely, and hard to get through. On those days I think of myself as a farmer overlooking a field that needs plowing. The field seems infinite. It's hard labour, but I'm the farmer, and if I want a harvest this summer, I have to start plowing. And what do I choose when I'm behind the plow? Do I whistle throughout the day, or do I elect to wail while holding the reins?

I was at the breakfast table with my wife, Kristine, the other day. I came to think that the COVID 19 pandemic somehow is like this endless field. Virtually everyone I know is in a markedly different situation now than anything they knew up until a year ago. In my own company, almost all of our conversations are about how to help organizations and employees get their spirits up, and better yet, keep their spirits high.

During COVID-19 there is no one to scold. No one to blame. No boss, colleagues, suppliers or customers to wag a finger at. Not even foreign nations or hostile powers. So when the workday is too thick to cut through and there's no one else to hold accountable, many choose to believe something is lacking in their own performance. When it's difficult to get ongoing feedback on your results, you are left to evaluate yourself and become your own judge. And more often than not, that judge is ruthless and harsh. When this level of evaluation happens daily over a year, it takes a heavy toll on confidence and self-esteem.

Does this sound like you? If you find it hard to find stuff to whistle over, there's inspiration to be had in Alcoholics Anonymous and their serenity prayer:

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.

So let's begin with the first part: unless you work in vaccine development, are employed by the National Board of Health, or named Mette Frederiksen, I suppose the pandemic is one of the things you just can't change.

As serenity settles in, pucker your lips and whistle as you face your first challenge. Look at it, imagine how wonderful it would be if it were no longer there. Ask around if anyone will help you get through the challenge, and once you have found help, get started. Still whistling.

Accept that it's here.

Everything else that now stands between you and a great workday is in the next segment of the prayer: some things can be changed, and now it's simply a matter of mustering the courage to get going.

As serenity settles in, pucker your lips and whistle as you face your first challenge. Look at it, imagine how wonderful it would be if it were no longer there. Ask around if anyone will help you get through the challenge, and once you have found help, get started. Still whistling. When it's done, you celebrate your successful efforts. And then it's on to the next one. Step by step you are now in the process of building up yourself and your day, and all feelings of inadequacy and powerlessness disappear right here, behind the plow.

You and your colleagues can easily find ways of working to regain your self-confidence, and the CEO will surely be excited to assist all of you. And what if, on rare occasions, you run into obstacles that still cannot be overcome, even if you and your workmates summon all your resources and skills and put in maximum effort? Don't despair, don't scold, but accept that you can't change everything in the world.

With the peace of mind that spreads in you, and all the wonderful melodies you will learn to whistle, every day behind the plow becomes a breeze. Rain or shine.

Enjoy work!