Last week, I wrote about the virtues of giving up. This week, I want to say perhaps more or less the same thing, but from a different angle.
Over the weekend, I was moved by President Biden’s decision to not seek reelection and endorse Kamala Harris as his successor. There’s some part of me that knows this move wasn’t entirely selfless. Losing this upcoming election might have tarnished his reputation forever. And the intense pressure on him from his political allies might have forced his hand.
Regardless, this all must have been a major blow to his ego. That he might not be the best person to lead the country anymore must have been a bitter pill to swallow.
He could have decided to press forward. But he ultimately chose not to.
I so admire the example Biden set for us all. By “giving up” and stepping aside, he was vulnerable enough to admit that he might not be the best answer anymore. He gave someone else an opportunity to come forward and bring new energy, ideas, and possibilities into the room. At a moment in time when so many politicians are almost cartoonishly hateful, greedy, and ego-driven, it was a historic moment of humility, sacrifice, and service.
And it all makes me wonder: where in my own life might it be time for me to step aside and make room for someone else?
Rather than thinking of it as weakness, failing, or giving up, where might I recast my decision to let something go as creating an opportunity for new leaders, new ideas, and fresh energy?
Peter Schulte
I help aspiring changemakers do good in the world and feel good in the process.