The only way to calm the raging flames of political fury is to take away the oxygen that fuels the fire – our unsolicited opinions.

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My first job out of college (after I dropped out of law school) was in politics. 

After a brief stint, it was clear that politics and I weren’t a good fit. However, I’ve remained involved on the periphery for the last 30 years, stayed up on the issues, and read long-form (1,000 – 7,500 words) articles on political topics. (I understand that I’m a giant nerd.)

I spend countless hours thinking about our divided nation and wondering how I can improve things (yes, I have a slightly narcissistic/outsized belief in my influence – I’m working on it).

Daily, I’m tempted to dive into the debate (social media, dinner conversations, at work, etc.) and rattle off some brilliance I just took from a thought leader.    

But I don’t… the last thing the world needs is another opinion.

With all the screaming and yelling from all sides, it feels like we’re in the middle of an uncontrolled fire.

It needs to be extinguished (or at least tamed).

We tell ourselves that things will get better if we could just do a better job of “informing” others. I think we can all agree that this approach has failed.

The only way to calm the raging flames is to take away the oxygen that fuels the fire – our unsolicited opinions.

Practically, here’s what that looks like.

• Stop reacting to anything political on social media.
• If you witness someone bashing the other side on any platform – unfollow the individual.
• If you’re watching or listening to a “pundit” drone on about the morons on the other side, turn off the TV/radio/podcast.
• If you’ve got a crazy neighbor who wants to argue all the time – find new friends.   

Deep down, I believe most people are decent and want what’s best for our country. Unfortunately, it’s hard to see the good when we’re consumed in the fire.  

—CJ McClanahan

Speaker | Advisor | Recovering Overachiever

CJ McClanahan