There’s a growing sense that the world hasn’t just stopped getting better, but that it’s actually getting worse. No matter where you look, whether it’s nationally, internationally, or in the town where you live, there is no shortage of disconcerting news.

Lately, that backdrop has shaped many of the conversations I’ve had with both clients and non-clients alike. Across these conversations, I’ve observed recurring themes of exhaustion, cynicism, hopelessness, and frustration.

With the perpetual chaos we’ve seemingly endured for many years now, I’m often asked how I can still be optimistic about the future. I’ll tell you it’s not because I’m immune to what’s happening, nor is it because I’m wearing rose-colored glasses. I like to think it’s much more rational and reasonable than that.

Aside from all of history providing a compelling case for enduring optimism (which many people don’t find all that convincing), I want to share four ideas I regularly rely on to maintain my long-term optimistic outlook, in hopes that you might find them useful as well. Here we go.

First, I look to the long-term trends. As I’ve shared in other notes, whether it’s extreme poverty and hunger continuing their push toward eradication, violent crime declining, medical advancements happening at an incredible clip, or a wide variety of other developments, the data is clear: the world is getting better. Maybe not in every place, in every way, or every day, but the trends continue to be encouraging.

Second, history has repeatedly shown that problems are often stepping stones to progress. Just as you don’t unlock an already unlocked door, you don’t solve problems that don’t exist. Thus, our growing awareness of today’s problems is an unfortunate but necessary precursor to tomorrow’s progress. While clearly no tragedy is “good” in itself, history shows that difficult moments often become catalysts for new discoveries, initiatives, and energy that lead to a brighter future.

Whenever I am overwhelmed by bad news, I try to think about the countless smart minds working to develop clean energy, clean up our oceans, feed the hungry, cure disease, and improve the overall quality of life around the world. This shift in focus—from headlines to heads-down working toward progress—helps me feel more optimistic about the future.

Third, I try to remember that frustration is often cyclical, particularly along political lines. Long-term data shows that when one party feels encouraged, the other is often discouraged. This shows up as a reliable pendulum effect that repeats from one administration to the next.

While the issues may change, the emotional rhythm does not. This is simply the nature of politics.

Thus, if you’re frustrated now, history suggests that the pendulum will eventually swing the other way. And if you’re feeling good right now, you can probably expect frustration to return at some point. This ebb-and-flow is an unfortunate feature of the political system but is one that seems destined to continue.

Finally, I try to focus on the difference I can make in the world immediately around me. While this may sound like a somewhat helpless perspective, if I’m honest with myself, there’s little I can personally do about problems in places far away from me. But I can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those around me.

Whether that means working to ensure that children in my community have the school supplies they need and food to eat, supporting the homeless, or simply showing up for others, focusing locally transforms the sense of helplessness—which the news generates at scale—into a sense of agency and gratitude. To state the obvious, when we make a positive difference in the lives of the people around us, we are literally making the world a better place, which is the very foundation upon which optimism is built.

To sum this up, my goal today isn’t to dismiss anyone’s feelings. On the contrary, I want to acknowledge them. But I also want to recognize that with today’s 24/7/365 “news” coverage that highlights almost nothing but the worst of humanity, we shouldn’t expect this cycle of frustration to disappear anytime soon.

Through it all, however, I think there are many reasons for rational optimism and to expect progress to continue, especially when we take the time to zoom out. I hope this note helps in that regard.

As always, I welcome your feedback. Until next time, stay the course.