SELF Reflection: The Resolution Solution

We don’t really need a song and a dance about new year resolutions after the 2020 we’ve had! Although I do want to bring up a song, the memory of which left an indelible impression on my young teenage self. A song by over 40 prominent artists who came together and created music history. “We Are the World,” recorded on a January night in 1985, raised millions for famine relief in Africa. Back then, I didn’t know many of the artists, but I recognized some from the Grammy awards that were telecast for the first time in India in 1984. I have since read about how the project came together and it is truly remarkable. Despite their differences -- in stature, in genre and in styles, everyone was singing from the same song sheet. And despite doubts and concerns -- everyone wanted in on it because of the cause. It became a great example of doing something about a problem, by using your skills, talents and influence. “If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem...”

A different tune

2020 was a problematic year to say the least. One that tore us apart, literally and figuratively. And as if a widespread pandemic of global scale along with political turmoil and social unrest weren’t enough, there were many local and regional extreme climate events; wildfires, hurricanes, flooding and droughts adding to an already tough year. In hindsight, the trouble had been brewing for a while, on all fronts, and whether it was the pandemic or social justice or politics or climate change it now served to crack the thin veneer, magnify our differences and polarize our views. The year also brought about immense change, virtually overnight, as our lives at work, our work at home and our home lives were concerned. Despite the few bright moments, in the rising cacophony of crises, it was hard to reconcile the losses; the loss of security blankets, loss of civility and discourse, to the grave loss of lives and livelihoods. Let’s just say it was a very different kind of year…a one that perhaps warrants a break in the ho-hum resolution tradition.

Swan song

Hindsight 20/20, it was also a year that led to tremendous reflection. It forced many of us to adjust to new priorities, examine our privilege, confront our biases and acknowledge our roles in the crises that were unfolding. In many ways it forced a reckoning, as virtually all of us felt the individual anxiety, experienced collective grief and grasped for eternal hope. Reflection also brought the gift of clarity in the midst of chaos, hope in the midst of despair – and the desire to live more mindful and meaningful lives. A desire to change for the better – to find common ground again. While 2020 upended our lives, we did adapt, practiced resilience and continued reflection. Our isolation served to catalyze the cause for change at an individual, collective and societal level.

Last year I wrote about that special time when it’s the dusk of the year past and the impending dawn of the one just around the corner, and how that brings along with it a desire to reflect, just in time for New Year’s resolutions. In contrast, this year, almost in its entirety has given ample opportunity for reflection, and it is likely to continue. Many of the problems exposed in a raw and real manner are seeking solutions as we strive to move forward, into a new calendar year, against a backdrop of old tunes still in our heads, and in our hearts. I also wrote about strategies for new year resolutions last year, taking inspiration from a year that lent itself to a powerful vision metaphor. Who knew at the time, the black swan year it would be. And as I recently wrote, despite a 20/20 quantitative assessment, what tripped us up this year was the quality of vision -- what we failed to see. 2020 gets the CREDITS for revealing our blind spots through intense self-reflection brought on by the events. Many require action from us, with commitment, above and beyond typical New Year resolutions that may or may not be adhered to past this week!

Singing praises

In 2021, it is perhaps time to focus on being part of solutions to be made over resolutions to be broken. There are at least 4 areas that many of us can agree on as being ripe for commitment and action.

There is no denying the role of science and technology in keeping us together and in helping each one of us keep it together! Science was a trusted companion in the fight against the pandemic and we all await the gift of science in the vaccine. The global public was unified in the stance to follow the science as revealed by the results of 2020 3M State of Science Index. Digital technology allowed us to connect and communicate, to celebrate and commiserate, and to create and circulate, like never before. However, the growing science-denialism and rampant misinformation clearly show the need for change. How can we all as individuals play a part in the solution? For STEM professionals it could be as simple as committing to engage in advocacy and amplifying science, or, encouraging students in STEM and participating in events. For others it can be the commitment to seek out reliable sources, attend science communication events specifically designed for the public or participate in citizen science platforms.

In chorus

2020 was also the year that brought to the forefront the stark equity and justice issues as they related to the Black Lives Matter movement, and the disproportionate impact of the pandemic. It is well established by social sciences, that in order to address prejudice, one needs to spend time learning and understanding the people we perceive as being different from us. It also calls for understanding the history and acceptance of past issues that reflect the present circumstances. So how do we contribute to building bridges? How can we all use our resources, our skills, time, talent and influence to bring about much needed societal changes and shifts in attitudes. Again, it’s about committing to learn, listen and act to become part of the solution to bridge the gap between education, access, healthcare and more for all who are systemically denied opportunities and those who feel disenfranchised.

The concept of stakeholder capitalism also gained momentum during the pandemic, emphasizing the need for long-term resilience and sustainable future. There is ample evidence to connect our changing climate with the weather disasters we encountered in 2020. As organizations and companies and governments move to prioritize de-carbonization and climate-related investments what can we all do at an individual level? How do we all become part of the solution and take more active role in caring for the planet and sustaining it for generations to come? This will involve a commitment to educating ourselves and to prioritize behavioral changes that can have a positive impact and influence our choices. Especially, since self-reflections in 2020 have made many realize that resilience, adaptability and sustainability are going to be critical for our collective future on this planet.

Well versed

Any action in any of the above need education, discussion and strength of conviction as we read, reflect and recognize the need for change. Another gift that 2020 gave us was finding strength and finding solidarity. This allowed us to survive the calamities that may have befallen and strengthen the conviction to cope, from managing work from home to juggling schedules and demands to strength to withstand loss of connections, jobs, resources, health, and at worst, loss of friends and loved ones. 2020 certainly challenged us and made it apparent that we are stronger when we work together, by joining forces to collaborate, and create community. We will need strength to find our voices and making it be heard, which may feel uncomfortable and will require us to draw on our collective strength.

Walk up song

What 2021 needs is for us to put the focus on the word solution in resolution. I feel the need to commit to continue to reflect and act on how we can be part of the solving these 4 key challenges, ones that seem complex but, in fact, will help us make headway because of their interconnectedness.

Yes, it’s time to look in the mirror and focus on SELF, but a little differently this year.

Science and technology

Equity and justice

Long-term sustainability and resiliency

Finding strength and solidarity

It’s time to turn the ME into the WE.

It’s time to come together, yet again, because we are the world.

The time has come. WE… is the WORD.

Look forward to hearing concrete examples of what we all can do.

Will be sharing my SELF.