Staying Constructive
It is a confusing moment in the world. Many of us are sorting out where we stand and how to navigate it.
As I engage more politically I often ask myself, what’s constructive? Like many of you, I try to create value in everything I do. I try to operate from a place of good intentions. But sometimes it’s confusing. Sometimes I’m not sure what’s constructive. Sometimes I go to the edges and find things that are true but outside the mainstream. Sometimes I mess up.
How do we stay true in today’s polarized political environment?
Here is a quick list of tools and ideas for staying constructive. It’s relevant for many contexts and not specific to any point of view. No 1 is what’s helped me the most.
- First and most important: Set an intention to be constructive.
- Get grounded in your personal values, principles, and your why.
- Define your boundaries — what you stand for, what you do not stand for, when you disengage.
- Find unique ways to contribute. What can you do or offer that’s unique and moves the ball forward?
- Call b.s. on yourself from time to time. Course correct. (ex: I’m spending too much time on Twitter)
- Avoid needless drama.
- Avoid haters and toxic energy.
- Find and collaborate those who share your values.
- Focus on artifacts over ephemera. Things that last.
- Forgive yourself when you screw up or do something cringy. Keep moving forward.
- Try things. Act. Experiment. Just do it. You can’t be constructive without doing something.
This is mostly self-talk disguised as a blog post. I needed a reminder.
Other suggestions? Share in the comments.
