Stoically optimistic

I was asked recently how I was thinking about 2026.

After a little reflection on the past year I said, “Stoically optimistic”.

Upon a little more reflection, I tried to deconstruct what I meant — the optimistic part is self-explanatory because I tend to look to the positive when it comes to future prospects. But what did I mean by “stoically”? Was it about taking on whatever comes my way and that I will manage through it, even if it turns into a shit show?

Is it simply an attitude or is it an understanding of myself that has me believing in my capabilities? I have competencies and skills, can be a critical thinker, have a strong network, have goals to keep me on the path I have chosen, know that life is for living and that there is a right way to do it*. So, after a little more reflection, I want 2026 to be a great year but if it isn’t, I will work to make the best of it using all the tools at my disposal.

Tomorrow we get into 2026 full throttle — kids back to school and adults back to work with expectations and demands, social media and influencers will offer perspectives regarding everything you are doing incorrectly, and AI will be chipping away at your agency more than ever. Considering all of that and more, I don’t think having a little stoic optimism is a bad thing.

To everyone I know, and those I haven’t met yet, please have a safe and fulfilling 2026!!

iamgpe

*it’s worth reading Meditations by Marcus Aurelius because he has thoughts on this and many other things.

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Disruption, dislodgement and optimism...

The following is the original and the rewrite can be found by clicking here.

"Networking" is quite possibly the most overused word around, but that does not make it any less important; that's why it's overused I suppose.

Connecting with people to build your network, expand your Linked In connections and increasing your collection of "views and likes" is all well and good, but ultimately it's all about drawing on people's skills, insights and experience.

This is what I recently found myself involved with as we were looking for "perspective and insight" regarding a new technology in the molecular diagnostic space*. After a good deal of discussion, many questions and some "stunning visuals", we asked for some candid feedback. 

To that he simply said, "I have three words for you - Disruption, dislodgement and optimism". 

He went on to elaborate -

Disruption: How disruptive is your technology over the current technology? Is your technology different enough to consider adopting and change from what is currently being used? The more disruptive the technology, the more inherent advantages there are for switching and the more likely you will see adoption. He went on to say this ultimately applies to anything, be it technology or process, and had found innovation and disruption are more or less synonymous.

Dislodgement: What are you going to do to dislodge the incumbent, be it a competitor or how something is being done, and have your technology adopted? The less disruptive your technology, the more difficult it will be to dislodge the current way of thinking (if not impossible); whereas something of a disruptive nature (with advantages) has a better chance of dislodging the current technology or way of thinking. It was pointed out not to underestimate how difficult it is to dislodge the current way of thinking - It takes hard work, creativity and tenacity. 

And this brought us to optimism: We were reminded that by nature humans are overly optimistic; believing what we have is the most "innovative and disruptive, with the ability to dislodge any incumbent" . He also reminded us that facts and data win the day - In the same breath though, he went on to say it is optimism that enables people to do amazing things, and we should never lose it.

In parting, he mentioned we should call him in a couple of weeks as he knows someone we should talk to. The networking continues.

I am very optimistic.

gpe

* The technology is an isothermal amplification technology platform that offers advantages over current amplification technologies. If you are interested in knowing more let me know... we have some "stunning visuals".