Now’s not the time to bail on your quest for success.

As much as I’m sure nobody wants to think or talk about it, it looks like self-isolation and working from home is going to be the new normal for a while. But just because you can’t go into the office, that doesn’t mean it’s time to start slacking on your sense of professional excellence. In fact, it’s now more important than ever to put everything you’ve got into your work because once all this blows over, you’ll no doubt have accumulated some brownie points with the boss for being in the zone.

First, make yourself visible to the company. Keep in contact, actively participate in daily meetings and whatnot. If you’re having a Zoom meeting, don’t click off and start checking Facebook, sit back and pay attention. If any new work pops up, you’d better be the first to volunteer. Every communication is an opportunity to sell yourself. Don’t brag, just say “yep, I got all that stuff done, and I’m ready for more!”

Second, keep networking. Most modern networking takes place through a digital medium anyway, so you’ve still got every opportunity to connect and chat with others within your industry. Talk shop, swap some work and life stories, and give them a word of encouragement. You know what that’ll do for you? Land you in their rolodex as “the person who worked hard during a crisis.” Resume gold.

Finally, and this is probably the most important thing… stay positive. As scary as this whole situation is, remember that it won’t be like this for the rest of your life. This, too, shall pass, as the greats say. Until then, grit those teeth, work hard, and do whatever you can to keep a smile on your face.