Welcome, 2026. Another year, another opportunity for change. 

The previous year has brought many setbacks and challenges, both personal and nationwide. It is more difficult than ever to find good in the world when we are bombarded daily with negativity online—the headlines, political ads and videos, and posts from social media and forum boards. This opens the door for absolute statements, statements that turn limited observations into the truth of reality and opinions into facts. Those people are nothing but evil, there’s nothing that can be done, and everything is pointless are a few of these statements.

From my own experience, I can tell you that these statements quickly spiral into inaction. When your perception is that no amount of effort will bring about change or that your individual efforts won’t matter, you will have no reason to do anything to change your situation. This mindset not only affects political matters but daily life as well. Taking the example “everything is pointless,” this can affect interactions with others, your outlook on the future, deter pursuing your goals, and worsen your physical and mental health. It is essentially becoming trapped within a loop of confirmation bias. Britannica defines confirmation bias as “people’s tendency to process information by looking for, or interpreting, information that is consistent with their existing beliefs.” While it is unintentional, confirmation bias is still harmful as it can lead to ignoring opposing perspectives, low self esteem, and low self confidence. 

Life is nuanced rather than black and white. It’s important to recognize when an absolute statement arises. A good way to do this is to write down or remember some aspirations—extra pieces of motivation to get through difficult times. Here are a few of my favorites that I like to come back to:

Every challenge is an opportunity to grow.

We all experience difficulties in our lives, but it is how we react to them which builds character. It’s better to look at the positives of negative situations so that, if possible, it can be prevented and learned from in the future.

My perspective is important. 

In the current climate, it can feel like it’s pointless to speak out for matters that are important to us because of public discourse that is more toxic than productive. But there are communities for everyone with similar perspectives and ones which show the nuance of both sides. You have a right to share your opinions, but make sure to be respectful and avoid engaging with unhelpful or harmful comments. 

I deserve good things.

There are people who think that you don’t deserve good things because of who you are, what you do, and what you believe in. If you are trying your best, bettering yourself, your situation, and/or your community, what those people think are irrelevant. You are allowed to have the things you want in life. So, don’t shy away from that compliment, gift, or treating yourself every now and then.

I am good enough. 

Being overly tuned into toxic discourse can make you feel as if you need to change any and everything about yourself, or even leads to you being hard on your appearance, your actions, your circumstances, etc. You should ask yourself if you want to change because of someone else’s opinion or because it’s your choice. Either way, it is important that you are content and gentle with yourself. If you are trying, you are good enough.

Seek out positivity

Combat negativity when it appears in order to break the cycle of confirmation bias. One YouTube channel, Sam Bentley, does just this. He uploads a video every month on good news that people may have missed. His video “Start Your 2026 With Some Good News” is a great place to start the year with a better perspective.

It’s also worth taking a step back from social media altogether to clear your mind. Do things that you enjoy such as listening to music, getting exercise, talking with friends and family, meditating, reading, or even just sitting in silence. 

Takeaway

Things aren’t all bad when you take it upon yourself to break the cycle of seeing the worst in situations. This is beneficial to your outlook on life and becoming kinder to yourself. Like everything, there is a balance that is needed—looking at both the positive and negative in moderation—to make informed, healthy decisions to make the most of your year.