There's a weird thing going on out there.
Two recent polls tell us that Americans are not very optimistic about the future. One poll found that only "35% of Likely U.S. Voters now believe America’s best days are in the future." Another, more "optimistic" poll, found that "Just 52 percent think America’s best days are still ahead of it."
I get it. Of course I do.
Between the wars and terrorism we know about, the terrorism that we only learn about after some horrible and crazy thing has either happened or narrowly been avoided, apocalyptic weather, a fragile economy, and the NY Jets QB situation, we have good reason to be a nervous country.
In fact, I think this is the most uncomfortable time in the US since the late 60s/early 70s.
So yeah, I get that part of it.
But what I don't get is this lack of faith in the future.
One of my favorite sayings are: "It is always the darkest before dawn."
We've talked before about how you can only grow when you leave your comfort zone.
Think about your life. Didn't your periods of greatest growth follow the periods of greatest doubt and uncertainty?
I try to look at this current period of anxiety as a giant chance for this country to grow.
Another favorite saying of mine is: "The only way to predict the future is to create it."
In spite of all the plagues I mentioned above, this is a very exciting time to be living!
All of our evolving technology and social progress has created a whole new land of opportunity. Things that were unheard of even ten years ago have become commonplace.
This country will bounce back and be better than ever. The "creators" will make sure it does.
The question is: Where will you be when the bounce back happens?
If you're one of these people who thinks our best days are behind us, then you'll DEFINITELY still be on the sidelines, and you'll prove yourself right. Your best days will be behind you.
But if you can soldier through this rocky period, and still stay true to your core values, and still devote a little bit of time each day to getting a little bit closer to your dreams, then I promise you you'll be a PART of the bounce back.
Things are a little dicey right now, sure. But your future is still entirely up to you.
Stop predicting it'll be lousy and start creating the best future ever.
