Navigating Election Season: A Balancing Act
I’ll admit it—I’m not handling this election season very well. I go back and forth between wanting to get involved by making phone calls or canvassing, and then I swing the other way, deciding to avoid the news altogether, thinking that my small efforts won’t make any real difference.
Over the weekend, our neighbor put up a couple of Trump yard signs. Within hours, someone taped a piece of paper over one of them that said “traitor.” She posted about it on our community Facebook page, and I was relieved to see that many people offered their support and expressed disgust at whoever put up that sign. I ran into her the next day and told her how sad I was about it. I even joked that when we find out who did it, we should put a sign in their yard that says “douchebag.” She laughed, and we shared a moment of lightness over something that could have been a lot darker.
Recently, I completed a continuing education course on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to maintain my license. While DBT is about helping clients manage emotions, the real takeaway is how it encourages people to see multiple sides of an issue. I try that, but it doesn’t always go well at home.
For example, my wife sometimes gets frustrated when I offer her an alternative view. She wants me to support her point of view—and I do—but I also tend to point out the other side of the story, trying to see things from a bigger perspective. That habit of seeing different angles is both a blessing and a curse. To some, it might make me seem indecisive, but to me, it’s about being fair and trying to understand the whole picture.
(As a side note…This brings me to one of my biggest pet peeves: when people—especially TV pundits—say, “Well, the reality is…” My response is always, unless you’re a mathematician or a physicist, there’s no one reality. The world is not a simple place. Embracing different viewpoints helps me make sense of my reality.)
So maybe that’s what I need to do with this election—embrace the craziness. Dive into the information, read more, watch what’s happening, and talk to people. Recently, when canvassing, someone harassed us, but I managed to stay calm and have a decent conversation. My neighbor’s experience with the Trump signs gave me even more insight into what’s important to him.
.
This election gives me a chance to do my best—my best thinking, my best relating, and my best discerning. Only one thing matters to me: what’s best for the United States of America. I’m confident I’ll make the right choices if I keep that in mind.
So, how are you handling this election season? What’s next for you when navigating these times?
You May Not Like This: Embracing the Discomfort of Growth
A few weeks ago, one of our readers asked about the concept of a “growth mindset” and how it connects to figuring out “What’s Next?” in life.
He shared this thought-provoking quote from Adam Grant:
“Becoming a creature of discomfort can unlock hidden potential in many different types of learning. Summoning the nerve to face discomfort is a character skill—an essential form of determination.”
Recently, I worked with someone navigating a career transition after losing their job. Their focus was on improving their resume, while I knew that stepping outside of their comfort zone and developing networking skills would open more doors. It wasn’t that they didn’t have potential—it was a case of being stuck in a familiar mindset, a “fixed mindset,” where one believes things are as they are and abilities are set in stone.
Reflecting on my journey, I wasn’t always drawn to learning. It wasn’t until graduate school that I embraced discomfort as a necessary part of growth. Since then, I’ve seen myself as a student, constantly seeking new challenges, even though I sometimes dread that discomfort.
This tension between wanting growth and resisting the discomfort it brings is at the heart of my own “What’s Next?” It’s a balancing act, and I’m curious to see how it plays out for me, as I know others have the same challenge.
What about you? Do you find growth in discomfort or take a different path?
Please share your comments below.
What’s Next: Your Take
I was talking with one of my advisors recently, and she suggested something that resonated with me: Why not reach out to you directly to see what you need from “What’s Next?”
I’m exploring a few new ways to support you as you think about what’s next in your life or career, and I’d love your input on which of these would be most helpful:
- A Podcast: Quick, insightful episodes on self-esteem, working with difficult people, or navigating life transitions. Or perhaps a podcast where you share your insights on the world rather than waiting for someone like Brené Brown to join me for a discussion.
- What’s Next Group: A small, structured group to explore “What’s Next” in your life. We’d have prompts and discussions on personal and professional opportunities, and you’d leave with new insights from me and the group.
- 1:1 Coaching Sessions: Personalized support tailored to your specific challenges or goals.
- On-line or In-person Workshops: Focused sessions on building resilience, enhancing leadership skills, or preparing for your next big step.
- Automated On-line Courses: Self-paced courses on leadership development, building a growth mindset, or overcoming life’s obstacles—completed at your own pace.
- Short e-books: I’m preparing to release a new book, curating 52 of my best Resilient Wednesdays posts with thought-provoking questions to help you build resilience throughout the year.
- On-line chat: Substack features an on-line chat format where we can discuss your What’s Next questions and ideas.
What would be best for you? Take a moment to reflect:
- What’s the biggest challenge you’re currently facing in your personal or professional life?
- What topics would you like to see covered in future posts?
Your feedback will help shape these offerings and ensure the content truly resonates with you. Please comment, message, or reply here—I can’t wait to hear your thoughts and ideas!
