I can be annoyingly optimistic. I lean toward hope and positivity whether it’s my personal life, my work, or the world at large. But even for an eternal optimist, the world feels pretty bleak right now. I worry what the future looks like for my kids. We’ve accomplished mind boggling technological innovations, yet when we disagree, we kill each other—both literally and figuratively.
One of my most read articles last year was How to Have Hope Despite Political Chaos. I’ve gone back an reread it a few times myself because I’ve needed the reminder of what basis there is for hope. Optimism apart from reality is just naïve.
Two things can be true at the same time. The state of the world feels increasingly dire. And we still have reason to believe we’re moving toward a brighter future. The latter is the pathway toward the former. The historical and evidence based reasons I outlined last year are still true:
- Most People Are Good; We Have Data to Prove It
- A New Generation is Emerging; They Lead Differently
- These Things Are Cyclical; History Shows We Adapt
- Some Corrections Were Needed; We’re Figuring It Out
For me, staying engaged with what’s going on in the world is a non-negotiable. Being a global citizen requires that we stay informed and use our voice and influence where we can. But I’m also trying to scroll less, walk more, call a friend, and take a deep breath. I refuse to give up on the idea that together, we can build a more culturally intelligent world.
Here are a few things I’m trying this year to maintain my hope as a leader:
- *Limit my news consumption to once a day
- *No news or social media on Sundays
- *Pursue more constructive conversations with people who disagree with me about core ideological issues.
- *Prioritize more time with my closest circle of friends. Be more generous with affirmation. Reduce the amount we talk about politics. Prioritize talking about what we’re doing to take care of ourselves, our families, and making the world.
- *Feel the ache of the heartache in the world. And be okay with having fun even when there’s so much that’s not okay in the world.
As a brighter future emerges, we shouldn’t be surprised that old systems of power and exclusion are clinging on for dear life. But their grip is slipping, and a more culturally intelligent world is emerging.