The Centre for Optimism

Over 1000 people from 22 countries have participated our survey on "The Better Normal" using Survey Monkey.

There is a huge groundswell for change - a "better normal" as we say. 

What's been interesting is that while our study showed almost 70% have appetite for personal change, polling done by News Limited while covering our report, there was an 84% positive reaction to our findings.

55% of participants believe there's a better normal for their community and country.

Our plan is to leave the survey open to allow people to collaborate and use the survey to inspire their friends and teams to express their better normal.  

Participate in the "Better Normal Survey"

Answers to "What is the better normal you foresee for yourself?"

We asked those answering yes to "Do you see a "better normal" for your community and/or country?",  What is the better normal you foresee for community or country?

Some examples:

• "A better appreciation of supporting each other and especially the small businesses and community groups that are the heart of our rural towns. Acceptance that we can do things differently and still have good results."
• "I believe we have been able to connect with others in our community, and we have all been moved by small kindnesses and expressions of appreciation."
  
• "Less commuter traffic on the roads.  More connection of people more experienced in using better communications technology.  More time spent in local neighbourhoods and with neighbours."
  
• "More flexibility in the workplace to allow us to relate more to family and neighbours.  More caring and contributing to neighbours as working from home provides more time in the local community."
  
• "A more cooperative, kind community and country - living out the COVID mantra of ‘we’re all in this together’.
• "Greater emphasis on community relationships, prioritisation of people and the environment over company profits, an awareness and appreciation of the importance of essential worker roles. Greater empathy and understanding for those who due to disability, unemployment, mental health or other health concerns are often confined to the home and the challenges they face. Employers are providing flexible options for working at home, and possibly thinking about work done rather than the number of hours worked. Supporting local businesses, thereby helping your community and thinking about the benefits of creating, rather than consuming, also the health and environmental benefits for using a mode of transportation that requires you to exercise."
  
• "A kinder more compassionate community and a balance between prosperity for all yet caring for the planet and make changes needed to stop climate change."
  
• "I’m sure others can see the possibility of a better normal rathe than simply reverting to type. We not aim for a fairer, more balanced existence that prioritises the needs of the individual? A life where we measure success by our wellbeing rather than how much money we have in the bank." (Martin Stone)
  
• "Greater awareness of global interconnectivity will generate more strategic thinking, including eventually overcoming simplistic preconceptions."
  
• "Having the ability to assist a family, no matter where they live to get the right care for their ageing or disabled loved ones. It's more accepted to do business remotely."
  

Answers to "What is that better normal you foresee for your community and/or country?"

What makes You Optimistic?

In our survey, The Better Normal, we asked those answering self-identifying as optimists, "what makes you optimistic?

This is the question we have asked of thousands of people - see "Optimists on their Optimism" and "Why ask the question 'What makes you optimistic?"

Click through to "What makes you Optimistic?" Answers from "The Better Normal Survey" 

Some examples:

• "The fact that there is a natural and innate evolutionary tendency for people to be moved by the stories of individuals ahead of the abstract arguments of the few."

• "That the essential goodness of humanity will prevail" (Anand Kulkarni)

  
  

We asked those self-identifying as optimistic, "what if anything supports your optimistic outlook?  The top answer was "mindset" followed by "life-experience" and then "most people are trying to do the right thing."

We asked the self-identified optimistic respondents, which of the options offered described their optimism.   The top answer was "resilient optimism" followed by "realistic optimism" then "natural optimism" and "purposeful optimism."

We asked those describing themselves as optimistic, "What has helped keep you optimistic in these difficult times?"   The respondents could select multiple choices.

The top answer was "regular positive conversations" followed by "expressing gratitude then "keeping the company of optimists."   Smiling, yoga and reducing consumption of news characterised over 25% of the respondents.

United Nations Policy Brief: The World of Work and COVID-19

"To soften the impact of the deepest global recession since the Second World War, governments and other key stakeholders, including the private sector, need to take coordinated, timely and sustained large-scale action. Interventions will differ depending on the stage of the recovery process, but through all phases, the key question for decision-makers will be how to use their scarce resources to enhance income security; create and retain decent jobs; strengthen the social and ecological fabric of our economies and transition towards a “better normal” – one that is human-centred, inclusive and accessible, gender-responsive, and sustainable."

June 2020 Full Report https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---dgreports/---dcomm/documents/genericdocument/wcms_748428.pdf

Mark R Kramer

"Corporate America and the Business Roundtable have an obligation to go beyond tweets and quotes by committing to an agenda that will advance racial equity in meaningful ways. Some changes cost virtually nothing; others may create short-term costs. But research has shown that the changes that cost money create shared value and lead to greater long-term corporate profitability and a more prosperous, equitable and sustainable society. Now is the time to reset expectations for a new and better “normal” to which we can eventually return."