"Your biggest opportunity right now is to keep moving forward while others are going backward!" - Futurist Jim Carroll
There's a pretty big divide between forward thinkers vs. backward movers.
We are living through the era of a shift from progressive trends to regressive attitudes.
On stage, I used to characterize the device this way.
Then I stopped doing that. Some folks will understand.
But in retrospect, I think this is where are now. Some folks will understand.
The fact is, the divide is very pronounced right now, and those who were always moving forward are feeling pretty dispirited about things. What do you do about that?
Like I said months ago - follow the science. Keep the long-term trends in mind. Focus on growth. Chase your opportunities.
Above all, don't give up - because your greatest opportunity right now is to continue going forward while others are going backward!.
We've got a fundamental divide that goes far beyond traditional political boundaries. It's a divide between those embracing the future and those desperately trying to turn back the clock to an idealized past that never really existed.
This isn't about left or right – it's about forward or backward!
When change accelerates (and it's accelerating faster than ever), forward thinkers see opportunity in our increasingly diverse, interconnected world. They understand that innovation knows no borders and that talent flows freely across artificial boundaries. Meanwhile, backward movers are building walls – not just physical ones, but walls of ideology and resistance in a vain attempt to block tomorrow and preserve the past. That usually never goes well.
I've dealt with this issue from the stage for decades. As a futurist, I speak about the realistic trends that define tomorrow. Some folks get inspired by what I share on the stage - and I've learned that others hate me and what I represent. There's not a lot I can do about that, except work harder to reach and inspire the former, particularly when times are tough.
So where are we? Think about what happens when we discuss climate technology, renewable energy, or artificial intelligence robotics today: Forward thinkers immediately grasp the potential for creating new jobs, new industries, and new solutions. Backward movers? They're still defending sunset industries, claiming we can somehow return to a simpler time.
Here's the reality as I see it: While backward movers are pushing narratives of decline and promising to "restore" an imaginary golden age, forward thinkers are busy building inclusive, sustainable communities that embrace change and innovation.
The question isn't whether change will come – it's already here, transforming everything from our energy systems to our manufacturing methodologies.
The real question is: Which side of history will you be on?
Will you join those who fearfully retreat into nationalist nostalgia, or will you help build a future of sustainable innovation and shared prosperity?
The future belongs to those who embrace it, not those who fear it.
And look, we all know what happened.
Always remember that.
At times the path might be a challenge, but that doesn't mean it's the wrong path.
Futurist Jim Carroll has long believed there is a lot of powerful leadership insight to be found in children’s stories.
Just ask Oblio.