Filed Under: Leadership
By Chris Klonoski
It’s almost over.
This election has to have been the most contentious, ugly, and expensive that I have ever witnessed. But it’s almost over.
I know. Everyone says it might not be over for a while. But in our town, there is a regulation requiring all campaigns to collect their signs and remove them from our roadways.
So I do know that by the end of next week, I will once again have unobstructed, lovely views as I drive around.
And that simple shift feels like a tiny victory—a way for me to find peace in small, personal ways, in the quiet moments that remind me life isn’t about the sky falling, the world ending, or scarcity taking over.
It’s about people. It’s about experiences that inspire us to be a little bit better than we were yesterday. And it’s about growth. Of course, there’s much more, but these feel like important reminders for now.
If you’re weary and looking for a way to recalibrate, here’s how I’m focusing on what matters.
Love on your people
During upheaval, relationships can feel strained, but we each have the power to keep our reactions in check. Leaning in and recognizing the ebb and flow of our relationships can remind us of what is most meaningful. People will react, then they might course-correct. Either way, we need to make space for them to show up as they are—embracing both personalities and processing—which opens the door to understanding and connection.
Give yourself room to feel uncomfortable, but in that discomfort, remember you have a choice: pull away or lean in. Offer grace and create room for others to process their unique experiences. This isn’t about avoiding conflict; it’s about truly seeing and valuing the people in our lives—even those who see things differently. By being present, we can bring harmony into our circle and deepen our connections.
Embrace courage and resist the fear
Fear is at the center of so much right now and it costs us all so much—lost time, strained relationships, the toll of hyper-vigilance, and the feeling of helplessness that can leave us frozen. Yet we can confront fear with courage.
Resisting fear doesn’t mean ignoring the reality of what’s happening; it means acknowledging it without letting it consume us. We can act with courage, focus on what’s within our control, and remind ourselves that growth and resilience come from facing the difficult parts of life.
Nurture what matters
There’s nothing wrong with a little distraction. What is good for your business right now? It’s OK to tune into something important as a needed distraction. This is a perfect moment to lose yourself in the details of your next marketing plan or the changes you want to make to your offerings for next year. Fixating on something that will ultimately lead to something positive for you, your business, or your employees is a healthy way to remind yourself that there is more to this life, this year, and this national conversation than the results of a single election.
This is a moment to lose yourself in the details of things that can lead to growth for you and those around you. In times of chaos, where you have no control, it’s okay to zoom in on productive projects and celebrate the forward steps you’re taking. At the end of all of this crazy, the sun will shine, you’ll still have to take out the garbage, and somebody in your circle will need loving attention.
Aim higher
Adversity brings us opportunities for spiritual and emotional growth, even if it’s not easy. Each difficult situation teaches us something, builds our resilience, and gives us a chance to reshape our mindset.
Challenges like these days remind us that, although we may not have control over every outcome, we can control our approach. We can choose to aim higher, uncover meaning, and ultimately allow ourselves to emerge wiser.
Find the fun
Look for small joys and victories. Positivity doesn’t mean everything is perfect; it means you are making a conscious effort to find something to be happy about. To feel good about. To try to make grow. These moments are always within reach—even when everything else feels out of control.
Positivity, courage, and connection aren’t just words. They’re actions we take and choices we make every day to shape a life that feels good and full. So, as this campaign season comes to a close, aim higher, focus on achievable wins, and choose to find peace in small places.
