Falling short is easy. New Year's resolutions are around the corner. We will prove how easy it is to not follow-through on the new diet or workout routine soon enough.
Our best-self lays our plans and goals we want to accomplish. These noble goals are things we want to change about ourselves and the world around us. This is the self we look to for inspiration for a changed world. What does this self have to say about your embrace of diversity for today and tomorrow? What happened yesterday is done; we look to the future.
How will you encourage diversity to flourish?
Last night was a discussion with friends, and one was at the opposite end of the political spectrum. I want to develop and appreciate more friends like her. Tonight was welcoming racial diversity at out table among a sea of white faces. I want to become quicker to engage those that are different than me.
One purpose of goal setting is to grow into the person we envision our best-self to be. The nightly news showcases the worst of what humanity does to each other. For 29.5 minutes the broadcast is horrific, only confirming our worst fears. At best, the final 30 seconds is a glimpse of the generosity humanity has to offer.
Sadly, good news doesn't sell. Fortunately, the good news we generate will impact those we interact with each day. You and I can change the world. Extending kindness to the foreigner can make all the difference in the world.
The holiday season approaches, and opportunities for division, strife, and angst will abound. The temptation to come to the dinner table prepared with all the latest political or social arguments to deride the brother-in-law is almost too much to pass up. Does successfully crucifying those across the table reflect an appreciation of diversity?
There is a choice; fulfill the stereotype and come ready for battle, or be a rebel, a renegade, a radical, a maverick, or a nonconformist and come ready to love.
One choice is natural, expected, and no one will call you out on it. The other choice is hard. It requires patience, kindness, a willingness to listen, humility, and a bunch of other virtues that everyone reposts on social media.
Your best-self is brave enough for the second choice.