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I imagine most people who consider themselves somewhere on the political spectrum would agree that the stakes of the 2024 presidential election are very high and the results of the election will have at least some direct effects on our lives.  I find late breaking news about the presidential election tantalizing because it carries the promise of significant and unexpected twists and turns.  If I so choose, I could tune in 24 hours a day watching the news like a hawk for the latest developments as riveting top stories unfold moment by moment.  

Having quick access to constant news could easily pull my attention away from everything else in my life.  It’s tempting to concentrate on watching and scrolling, and then worrying about what I’ve just seen, before trying to predict what will happen next and then worrying some more.  

Before embarking on a 24/7 news-a-thon.  It’d probably be wise for me to consider a few things:

1) My job isn’t reporting on the presidential election, managing either candidate’s campaign, being a pollster, being a pundit, or running for elected office.  If my work were any one of those things, I’d be on overtime for the next few weeks leading up to and beyond the election.  So, thank goodness, none of that is my job.

2) My beloved friends and family.  Do any of them really want to have constant conversations about the uncertainties of the presidential election every time we’re together?  If I had to guess, I’d say most definitely Not. A. One. Of. Them.  

3) It would also probably be best to consider the things that help me feel centered, healthy and happy.  Can I enjoy a peaceful meditation and watch the news at the same time?  Not. At. All. Likely!   Can I go for walks and take photos, all the while scrolling through news on my phone?  Nope, in fact that sounds horribly dangerous.

    If I decided to focus the lion’s share of my attention on the news until November 5th, and likely some days thereafter, I’d be choosing to neglect many important aspects of my actual life.  Furthermore, that choice would not only impact me but could ripple out and impact the people around me.  

    Don’t get me wrong, I think this election is extremely important.  I’m an advocate for things like donating blood and volunteering with nonprofits, like Meals on Wheels.  I take comfort knowing that I’ve donated money to the campaign I most believe in and I’m pleased that I voted early.   

    Outside of that, I’m choosing to participate in the remainder of this election season in a way that makes sense to me and respects my life and responsibilities.  Yep, it’s a balance I haven’t always struck well.  On too many occasions in the past,  I’ve experienced the pain and regret of becoming distraught and distracted by the news, speculation, and worry. 

    I’m doing my imperfect best to do better this time around.

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    JASON FREEMAN is a Professional Speaker and the proud owner of a Speech Impediment.  He is also the author of “Awkwardly Awesome: Embracing My Imperfect Best” and a Perseverance Coach.

    He excites and encourages his audience to break through the barriers of their own limitations using a method he created, called “Doing your Imperfect Best ™”.

    His Imperfect TEDx Talk can be viewed here.