Here we are—not quite one full month into 2026, and so much is happening in the world. The ongoing war in Ukraine and conflict in the Middle East. The U.S. effectively taking over Venezuela and proclaiming Canada to be the 51st state. A whirlwind of saber rattling and retreat over Greenland. Questions about the independence of the Federal Reserve, including indicting the current Chairman. And that’s just for starters…… we are only in day 27 of the new year!!!
As business leaders, we don’t have a clear view on the direction of tariffs, and whether they are even legal (the Supreme Court may be judging on this issue this week). As a result, the future direction of interest rates is unclear, and the resolution may be more political than economic. AI continues to make inroads into the workplace, impacting job creation and hiring practices. The concerns are personal: whether people will keep their jobs and where the younger generation will find their opportunities.
Regardless of our political affiliation, it’s incredibly easy to feel upset and overwhelmed. The antidote is self-reflection: the first of my principles of values-based leadership.
As I reflect on how I am dealing with the worries and pressures of today’s world, I find comfort and perspective in one of my favorite poems: Rudyard Kipling’s “If,” which was written at the end of the 19th century:
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies,
Or being hated, don’t give way to hating,
And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise…
(You can read the entire poem here)
Just within the first stanza there is so much to process to help us deal with today’s uncertainty—and the worry, fear, anxiety, pressure, and stress that can result.
If you can keep your head: As a values-based leader, I know that it doesn’t do any good for me to become concerned about the problems of the world to the point of losing my head. There is no benefit to getting angry and feeling physically and emotionally stressed over situations and circumstances that are beyond my control. Instead, keeping my head reminds me to stay informed and seek a balanced perspective on global issues, while focusing locally (within my sphere of influence) where I can make a difference.
If you can trust yourself: These words speak to me of the importance of true self-confidence—I know what I know. For example, I trust my knowledge of economics and my judgment as a business leader with a background in finance—especially on topics such as the importance of an independent Federal Reserve. I keep an open mind as I seek to understand other perspectives; but I don’t have to second-guess myself. I know what I believe to be true based on my own knowledge and experience.
If you can wait and not be tired of waiting: “When are things going to get better?” It’s a question we’re all hearing (and probably asking) these days and in so many areas. Waiting, however, is a reality of life—and history provides some perspective. The American Revolution lasted seven years, and the Civil War raged for four years. The Great Depression lasted for a decade. Europe endured 12 years, from the rise of Hitler to the end of World War II. We can find inspiration in those who came before us and persisted through years of tumult and suffering. We can also bolster our strength for waiting by surrounding ourselves with intelligent people who share our values and commit to doing what we can to bring more light into the world.
Being lied about, being hated: Increasing polarity is tearing at the fabric of society, with an attitude of “us vs. them” that can be felt on every level—nationally and locally. Even when we feel disregarded, disrespected, or even vilified, giving into lies and hatred only compounds the problem. We can find spiritual grounding in philosophies and faith traditions that emphasize the importance of “loving our neighbor as ourselves.” As Mahatma Gandhi observed: “The real love is to love them that hate you.”
Yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise: We all have our perspectives and our opinions, but we should not be ego-invested. No matter what circumstances and challenges confront us, we do not need to be right. Rather, we remain completely focused on doing the right thing, in the time we have.
By reflecting on who we are, our values, and what we stand for, we can keep our heads—no matter if those around us are losing theirs.
How does “If” speak to you? I’d love to hear from you. And if you have a favorite poem that speaks to you in these times, please share that, too.
Dear Harry:
Using “If” as a lens for thinking about and dealing with these horrifying times is creative and useful, because at least for me, it helps me find the words to express the deepest of emotions.
I feel such urgency to act–the need to be among likeminded people with good intent is vital.
I believe we need to understand “how did we get here.” What is the neuroscience of power and greed? Are we hardwiring mindsets that push humanity further and further into the backgrounds? Does it all start with a society based on hypercompetition that leads to rewards that lead to more hyper competitiveness? Is it now fueled with intense fear or failure or retribution? What structures are missing that would keep the focus on continual learning in support of humanity?
Here are the words from St. Teresa of Avila that resonate for me.
Christ has no body now on earth, but yours;
No hands, but yours;
No feet but yours;
Yours are the eyes through with He is to go about doing good;
Yours are the hands through which He is to bless people now.
With gratitude for the chance to share these thoughts with you!
Toni Pristo
630.542.1290
tonimpristo@gmail.com