People perceive the future as a threat and instinctively react defensively. Classic survival mindset behaviours emerge, allowing hatred and anger to release their stress. A vicious circle sets in: the victims cry out their complaints, the controllers manipulate and become rigid. Cynicism and defeatism reinforce distrust and isolationism. Only war and aggression seem to offer a way out.
And in the eyes of the people there is the failure; and in the eyes of the hungry there is a growing wrath. In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage.
John Steinbeck // The Grapes of Wrath - 1939
What will we reap? A world war, a financial crisis, an unknown virus, devastating storms, our replacement by robots? They're all here already!
Yet the stars are shining in the dark night. Love is revealed when the door closes. Peace emerges when conflict runs out.
A message appears and a star shine: a great master of self-management speaks...
Effortless is a myth... Belief in yourself has to be earned... Discipline is a talent... You can do your best and still lose... Life is bigger than the playing field...
Roger Federer // in front of students
Another message arrives, a new nugget from a specialist in grit, the psychological trait defined by perseverance, passion and resilience for a long-term goal.
At the end of the day, grit is all about endurance. Being able to commit and stay committed over the long term, even when it's difficult, is what makes the difference between success and failure.
Angela Duckworth // Psychologist
I know we'll grow from these trials. Yes, I'd like them to end quickly, for us to show more wisdom, more love, more serenity... And yet, these distant tensions invite me to refocus and take care of the only person over whom I have any influence. I need to continue, little by little, to plant seeds of love, first inside myself, then let go of the immediate impact. Just persevere. I'm just a drop in this human ocean and I know I'm not alone. Millions are doing the same. You too, obviously 😉