Resilient Voting
My new book, Resilience Renegade, will be released exactly one week before the 2024 presidential election. Resilience is non-partisan. We all need the capacity to face adversity with our values intact, our spine strong, our hearts soft, and our needs honored. It has nothing to do with the dealings and misdeeds of our American political system.
And yet…
And yet, I believe it has something to teach us as we decide who we choose to place in the position of the highest power in the country, indeed, the world. So, if two weeks out from election day, you are undecided, here is how you can make your most resilient choice.
The principles in "Resilience Renegade" can serve as a valuable guide when deciding who to vote for in a presidential election, focusing on qualities and policies that align with a resilient and self-led life. I believe the book's themes can help shape an informed and thoughtful voting decision:
1. Evaluating Leadership Through Resilience
Resilience Renegade describes resilience as the ability to move forward in the face of adversity, not just to bounce back to the status quo. When choosing a candidate, it’s crucial to assess their track record in handling crises and challenges. Look for a leader who has demonstrated resilience—someone who doesn’t shy away from difficulties but instead approaches them with transparency, accountability, and a focus on sustainable solutions. Consider how a candidate has responded to past obstacles and whether they have shown a commitment to learning and evolving rather than reverting to old patterns.
2. Prioritizing Mental and Emotional Well-Being
A significant part of building resilience, as outlined in the book, is fostering environments that support mental and emotional well-being. Apply this lens to evaluate a candidate’s policies on healthcare, social services, and education. Does the candidate prioritize mental health support and access to resources? Are they committed to creating communities that nurture resilience in individuals and families? Choosing a candidate who values mental health reflects an understanding that a resilient society is built on the well-being of its citizens.
3. Emphasis on Authenticity and Vulnerability
Resilience Renegade highlights the importance of authenticity and vulnerability, suggesting that true strength comes from being open and honest, even when it’s difficult. Use this principle when assessing a candidate's communication style and public persona. Authentic leaders are transparent about their successes and failures, willing to admit mistakes, and committed to making decisions that reflect their values. Look for a candidate who demonstrates integrity, acknowledges their weaknesses, and shows a willingness to collaborate and listen to different perspectives.
4. Commitment to Positive Change and Adaptation
The book encourages a proactive rather than reactive mindset—seeing challenges as opportunities for growth. When evaluating candidates, consider their vision for the future. Are they focused on maintaining the status quo, or are they proposing forward-thinking policies that address current and future challenges? A resilient leader seeks to adapt, innovate, and build a sustainable future. Pay attention to their plans for economic stability, climate change, technology, and other pressing issues that require long-term solutions.
5. Support for Vulnerable Populations
In Resilience Renegade, empathy and support for vulnerable individuals are key aspects of resilience. Apply this idea to assess a candidate’s stance on social justice, equality, and support for marginalized groups. A leader who prioritizes equity and inclusion understands that resilience is not about individual toughness but about lifting everyone up to ensure collective strength. Look at their track record on policies affecting healthcare, education, economic opportunity, and human rights, especially for the most vulnerable in society.
6. Building Strong, Connected Communities
The book stresses the power of community and the importance of strong support networks. In politics, this translates to evaluating a candidate’s ability to foster unity and build coalitions. Consider whether the candidate encourages divisiveness or inclusivity. Do they work towards building connections between different groups and addressing polarization, or do they thrive on creating division? A resilient leader is one who values collaboration, partnership, and community-building, understanding that a united community is stronger than one that is fragmented.
7. Living by Core Values and Principles
At the heart of Resilience Renegade is the idea of living a life that aligns with one’s core values. Apply this same principle to your voting decision. Identify the values that are most important to you—whether it’s integrity, justice, environmental responsibility, or economic fairness—and evaluate which candidate aligns most closely with those values. A vote is an extension of your beliefs and priorities, and choosing a candidate who resonates with your core values is an essential part of living a resilient, self-led life.
Using the principles from Resilience Renegade helps shift the focus from political rhetoric to qualities that matter: authentic leadership, a commitment to well-being, empathy, and a vision for positive change. This approach encourages a more thoughtful and values-driven voting decision, empowering individuals to choose leaders who will not only face challenges but guide the nation toward a resilient future.
