The Unwavering Nature of Personal Power when it is Accepted   Over the years, the British language shifted from the stoic ‘mustn’t grumble’ to the more ambivalent ‘not bad.’ this is part 2, part 1 published last week.  This change might be indicative of a broader societal shift where personal responsibility is not as deeply ingrained as before.   The ‘mustn’t grumble’ ethos, rooted in a time when perseverance and a collective spirit were essential, implied an inherent understanding of our duty to face challenges head-on without complaint.   In contrast, the emergence of ‘not bad’ reflects a society more willing to voice discontent, potentially pointing to a diminished sense of personal responsibility.   Where once challenges were met with a silent commitment to push forward, there is now a growing tendency to vocalise dissatisfaction, perhaps attributing challenges to external factors rather than looking inward for solutions.   Now, I am not saying voicing discontent is a bad thing – it can be a very good thing when done well and for the right reasons. Rather than the ‘stiff British upper lip’ let us let people know what we think and feel and when the service is poor or downright bad, AND learn how to do it well, to the right people for the right reasons, at the right time       NOT just moaning for moaning sakes and because it has become the ‘norm’     Following the linguistic transition from ‘mustn’t grumble’ to ‘not bad’, we can also observe an undercurrent of cultural change that has nudged society towards an attitude marked by negativity and fear.   This is not to say that these emotions did not exist in previous eras; they did, but they manifested differently. The resilience and community spirit of bygone eras often acted as a buffer against the pervasive spread of negativity.   Today, in an age of digital overexposure and constant comparison, which are both unhealthy, pessimistic and negative opinions often find fertile ground and breed with ease.   One major factor is the rapid pace at which information travels in our modern world.   News, especially negative news, spreads instantaneously, creating an echo chamber of fear. Be it economic downturns, political upheavals, or global crises, individuals are bombarded with a relentless stream of information that can foster anxiety.   In this digital age, the magnitude and frequency of exposure to such news are unprecedented, and this consistent barrage can wear down even the most optimistic among us and only of we let it   Remember: your thoughts need to be your own, not those imposed on you by others.   Yet, it’s crucial to understand that personal power has not diminished; it remains as potent as ever. Personal power is an intrinsic quality, unyielding and constant. What has changed is how individuals choose to channel it.   In earlier times, personal power was often directed towards collective well-being, community growth, and personal resilience. Today, amidst the noise of negativity, it’s easy to forget the strength that resides within and mistakenly believe that one’s ability to influence outcomes has waned.   However, this isn’t the end of the narrative.   Remember: Recognising that personal power remains unchanged offers hope.   It is a call to action, urging individuals to tap into this reservoir of personal strength. By consciously redirecting this personal power, starting with self-first, you can combat the tide of negativity, reframe your perspectives, and realise that you have the agency to shape your destiny.   While the challenges of the modern world might seem daunting, they are not insurmountable. Through introspection, self-awareness, and a commitment to positive action, challenging the status quo, you and society can once again foster an environment where optimism reigns, echoing the ‘mustn’t grumble’ spirit of yesteryears.   ‘Nothing sits in isolation; everything is connected.’     Far more written to come on this subject & if you like audio please hop across to The Conscious Leadership Podcast to hear more there are over 200 episodes https://podfollow.com/conscious-leadership-podcast