A brief look at the headlines for May 16, 2024, reveals that Slovakian police have charged someone in the attempted murder of Prime Minister Robert Fico; a young Thai activist who was jailed for insulting the country’s royal family has died following a 65-day hunger strike; a passenger on a Southwest Airlines flight was found napping in one of the overhead compartments and 11 people were set ablaze while worshiping in a Nigerian mosque.
While there was once some semblance of certainty in most regions of the world in the last 50 years or so, it seems that chaos throughout the world has become the new normal. How do we–from individuals trying to provide basic needs for their families and corporations alike–begin to navigate this new normal we’ve all been thrust into? It’s a question that echoes in the minds of many as we face unprecedented changes in our personal and professional lives.
If you’re in a state of confusion, even fear or concern, you’re far from alone. In January 2024, Gallup published the findings of a survey they conducted about this new normal. Among the survey’s highlights (and keep in mind these stats are related to the U.S.):
I picked the U.S. for this survey because, since World War II, the U.S. has boasted the highest middle class of any other country. In June 2022, Pew Research Center reported how the middle class has declined in the last 50 years. In 1961, 61% of Americans were considered middle class. By 2021, that number shrank to 50%, which means those living below the poverty line has increased. Although salaries have increased dramatically since the 1970s, so has the cost of living–particularly since the start of the pandemic.
The new normal means that while people have grave concerns about the state of the world today, many have to stifle the urge to react, given their increased anxiety over the ability to feed themselves amid hyperinflation. So, while the concerns are often centered around increased food insecurity, the uptick in elections that make the news, global pandemics, wars that seem to pop out of the sky, and environmental concerns, it’s understandable why people are on edge.
Optimize the Moment is for Everyone … Not Just Businesses
In my forthcoming book, From War Zones to Boardrooms: Optimize the Moment When Strategic Planning Fails, I delve into these questions and shared concerns, offering insights from my diverse experiences that span across conflict zones to corporate boardrooms.
Each chapter and story is a piece of the puzzle in understanding how to adapt, thrive and seize the opportunities in every moment, especially in uncertain times. In a world teeming with unpredictability and rapid change, adapting and making the most of every moment is not just a soft skill but a necessity.
Although I prefer not to think of myself as a guide or a teacher, my hope with Optimize the Moment is for the stories and my experiences to help all of us struggling to make sense of this new normal so we can all live a life filled with purpose, resilience and adaptability. Drawing from my varied experiences and in the face of global crises, I’ve learned the invaluable art of seizing the moment, a methodology I call Optimize the Moment™ that I delve into within the introduction of my book and throughout its pages.
The Philosophy of Optimizing the Moment
Amidst the flux of our times, my journey has been distilled into a methodology for living that I consistently apply to my consulting practice. My experiences, marked by the unpredictability of conflict zones and the strategic complexities of corporate decision-making, have honed my ability to adapt, persevere and seize opportunities in the most challenging circumstances. This approach, deeply rooted in resilience and continuous learning, is more than a strategy; it’s a way of engaging with the world, ensuring we’re always poised to make the most of now and what comes next.
My journey has shown me that the only constant in life is change. Whether navigating the complexities of global supply chains or responding to the sudden shifts in market dynamics, adaptability has been my greatest ally. It’s about being prepared to pivot momentarily, to reassess strategies and objectives based on the current landscape, not past assumptions.
Resilience Through Challenges
Resilience is another cornerstone of Optimize the Moment. It’s about bouncing back from setbacks, learning from failures, and moving forward with a stronger, more determined spirit. My experiences have taught me that resilience is not just about enduring but thriving amidst adversity–sometimes extreme.
Optimize the Moment also means committing to continuous learning. Every experience, whether a success or a failure (I prefer to call them challenges), offers invaluable lessons that can shape our future decisions and strategies. This philosophy has driven me to seek understanding and insights from every corner of my life, ensuring every moment is an opportunity for growth.
Moments from the Book
Throughout Optimize the Moment, I share personal anecdotes and professional insights that illustrate the power of this methodology. From the strategic recalibration necessitated by unexpected geopolitical shifts to the personal growth stemming from introspective reflection amidst crisis, the book is filled with moments that exemplify how we can all optimize our lives.
The impact of this approach extends far beyond personal success; it fosters a more responsive, conscientious and resilient society. By optimizing every moment, we not only improve our own lives but also contribute positively to our communities and the broader world.
As we face the future, which is likely more of the same, optimizing the moment is more relevant than ever. In an era defined by rapid technological advancements and global interconnectedness, the ability to adapt, learn and persevere is paramount. I invite you to consider this methodology, make the most of every moment, and join me in navigating the complexities of our world with confidence and purpose.