Last weekend I gave some brief closing remarks at a conference. The theme was “final words” after a weekend of rich (and dense) discussions across every topic.
The attendees were incredibly diverse when it came to areas of expertise and industry, most of them relatively senior and well-heeled. Yet at every meal, in every conversation, the same questions arose: What can I do to make a difference in what’s happening in the U.S. and the world? And how can I cope with the firehose of often-bad news, and certainly destabilizing and anxiety-producing news?
I decided that the first question was best answered by pointing them to my book, which was written to help people figure out what to do after the 2016 election, and the subject, sadly, remains evergreen.
Seriously, this book was designed to help you figure out what you can do!
I instead used my remarks to talk about how to cope. I reminded people that they still have agency over what they consume, what they allow in their brains. They can still have mastery over their own Internet experience. Yes, this formerly digital utopian agrees that social media screwed the world up rather than saving it. And that we seem poised to allow AI to do the same and worse.
But. I still control what I consume online and have a lovely day-to-day Internet life.
I explain what I limit consumption of, and what I instead seek in the above brief, <10 minute explainer.
I hope it helps some of you take back control of your attention, your mental wellbeing, your time, and your nervous systems!!
Now it’s your turn: How do you cope???
Over on Optionality: Events, events, events:
September’s theme over on Optionality is Lifelong Learning, including school, certifications, fellowships, and more. Here are some upcoming events you’ll want to check out that are open to ALL:
You can watch our bi-weekly #Conversationality livestreams over on Optionality’s YouTube Channel: https://youyubr.com/@Optionality4Life Join us every other Thursday at 1PM PT/4PM ET. The next one is today, September 4th, where Jory Des Jardins and I will kick off the theme for the month!
Our September member webinar features Olivia Shen Green moderating a conversation with Gina Jeneroux and Dr. Vicki Johnson about how to take control of your upskilling journey! The rise of FOBO – Fear of Being Obsolete – is shaping career paths, and skills are redefining work. How is FOBO playing out in your career? Or are you experiencing more FOBU: Fear of Being Unfulfilled? We invite you to join us live to ask your questions of the panelists. Register to attend or receive the recording post-event.
Join us Tuesday September 16th, 3PM PT/6PM ET
RSVP here:https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/uUpEofcNR-282DakoHlC7A
And in a sneak peek at October’s theme of Financial Literacy and Investment, please also join us at our next Optionality IRL (in real life) event, on Wednesday October 1, 4-7PM in San Francisco at the iconic Transamerica Building.
RSVP to get the details: https://luma.com/zbyn70r9
We’re getting ready to launch a new community platform for Optionality, so subscribe now if you want to be kept in the loop. (Although I’m sure I’ll announce it here when we move.)
That’s it for today. Until next time, please leave a comment and let me know your thoughts on any or all of the above. This is basically my blog now! And as always, I appreciate a share of Optionality and this newsletter.
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