In an inspiring episode of the 10% Happier podcast titled “Are You Letting Politics Make You Bitter or Better? A Psychological Survival Conversation with CNN’s Van Jones,” Dan Harris and Van Jones explore how we can stay calm, grounded, and even hopeful during politically challenging and divisive times. While the conversation centers on politics, its message carries broader relevance—offering guidance on how we can show up as even, sane, helpful, and compassionate leaders in both our personal and professional lives.
Right now, a lot of people are feeling emotionally, mentally, and even morally worn down by the current administration, the political climate, and the economy. A term I recently came across—”Trump anxiety disorder”—while it may sound exaggerated, reflects how deeply this moment is affecting people. Business leaders are also feeling the heat, navigating economic uncertainty, shifting markets, and workforce challenges. It’s a lot—and it can make staying hopeful, clear, and engaged feel harder than ever.
Jones and Harris remind us that even in difficult times, we still have some agency. While we may not be able to control external events or how others show up, we can choose how we respond. They describe how they manage their professional lives by staying grounded in purpose and responding to difficulty with intention rather than reactivity. One of the most practical tools they share is the ability to shift their emotional and mental state through something as simple as managing the length of their breath, their posture, and sense of purpose. Jones explains that when he lengthens his breath (by dropping down in his diagram) or puts his shoulders back and stands up straight, it sends a signal to his mind that he is strong. These small physical choices help us show up with clarity and strength, rather than fear or anxiety.
Their conversation invites us to reflect on how our brains are wired—and encourages us to actively retrain our minds so we can show up with clarity, curiosity, and compassion, even when the world feels overwhelming. It’s about developing the emotional discipline to stay open, creative, and resilient—especially in moments when it would be easier to shut down or lash out.
Jones also challenges us to consider not just what we do, but who we choose to be. Instead of asking, “What should I say or do?” he encourages us to ask, “How do I want to be in this moment?” He mentions that sometimes he chooses to be curious, sometimes clear—and that he makes a conscious effort to show up with humanity and vulnerability.
As Jones puts it, “You don’t shrink by learning, you grow by learning.”
The episode closes with a few thoughtful questions that help us become more intentional in how we show up, especially under pressure:
- What is my mission? What do I want to contribute? Jones shares that his mission in life is to help create a human civilization that works.
- How do I want to be—not just in moments of ease, but in moments of discomfort?
- What can I let go of—ego, judgment, reactivity—that no longer serves me or those around me?
Ultimately, this episode isn’t just about politics—it’s about cultivating the inner capacity to show up with purpose, clarity, curiosity, and compassion, especially in divided times. It’s about making a conscious choice: to let fear and pain make you better, not bitter. That choice is always available.
For a deeper dive, click here to listen to “Are You Letting Politics Make You Bitter or Better? A Psychological Survival Conversation with CNN’s Van Jones,” on the Ten Percent Happier Podcast with Dan Harris (21 minutes).