Scott Francis@darkuncle@infosec.exchange
Short-term thinking is a self-fulfilling prophecy. The systems under which we operate (in America especially) encourage, incentivize, and reward the quarterly returns mentality, and we see this in particular during times of chaos and uncertainty.
This means that it requires not just intentionality, but significant effort to swim against that current and think and act long-term - but the outcomes that have always benefitted individuals, organizations, societies, and civilizations arise out of long-term goals and effort pursued jointly.
When you're just trying to keep the lights on and food on the table, it can seem impossible to think beyond the current day or week - but I encourage you to think about what you value for yourself and those you care about, and try to set aside time to at least contemplate this, talk to others about it, and "do as you can, not as you can’t” towards those things you value.
If you're a leader who isn't under that kind of existential pressure, you can help by acting in a way that makes it a little safer for others to pursue things for reasons beyond their immediate economic impact. You can model what thoughtful, long-term perspective looks like, and you can advocate for this mentality and these priorities with other leaders.
Broad societal progress is just that: broad. Don't let dysfunctional leadership in one area keep you from doing what you can - what we all can - to continue to advance towards a better life for everyone.