In addition to the large-scale human tragedy, the COVID-19 pandemic is uncomfortable because of displaced workplaces (Stay Home), new communication patterns (internet-and-phone only), as well as requirements for heightened intentionality to connect where previously we could just go to work in order to bump into those with whom we needed to align. Too much seems foreign, unpredictable, and uncomfortable.
So we need to ask ourselves, “Am I a driver or a passenger for my career ascent? Will I need to wait for a return-to-normal to regain productivity? Can I do some of the things I need in order to overcome obstacles?”
It’s likely the leap appears too great to undertake. The constant barrage of “I’ve never done this before” can paralyze.
In fact, we each have likely done some rather bold and first-time-ever kinds of tasks when we took up a new hobby (like painting), or a new activity (fishing, bike riding), or a new subject (any foreign language). Day two is always better than day one, after we get a little orientation and a sense of how the new pursuit feels. Confidence is gained only by first-hand experience.
The mission of our work, to make discoveries that alleviate suffering from disease, requires that we constantly move beyond what is comfortable for us. Our calling is to fit our talent into the edge of what is known, and to press into the unknown.
Let’s have a disruptive week.
Something to think about, to talk about, and to process out loud in your circle of influence
There will be a well-justified call for widespread testing for COVID-19 as the nation readies for Re-entry to work. Testing for active infection (usually a genetic test from a biological sample, amplifying the SARS-CoV-2 viral genome) as well as for immunity to the virus (a serological test for a person’s antibodies against SARS-CoV-2) will both be important. How citizens of a community adapt to the public health implications of this Personal Health Information will be a major opportunity for cultural change. “We are in this together” is far more a reality in the setting of a pandemic than just a nice slogan. How will if feel about my COVID-19 immune or infection status becoming public information?
