What if I told you that optimism is not just a good emotion, but one of the most effective tools for creating change?
Over the past six months, I have interviewed more than 40 changes in New Hampshire and collected hundreds of local solutions stories about problems as difficult as Granite.
This work is the goodness of the granite – a regular compilation of positive news newspapers in New Hampshire, along with a podcast presenting conversations with problem -solver.
When most people hear the phrase “good news”, they think of segments of flying media-firefighters that save cats from trees-sanduic among gloomy titles, attracting attention. These “positive” stories often fail to balance negativity, which can explain why 42% of Americans avoid news.
Positive stories inspire and energize businesses by showing that influential actions can promote profit and purpose, creating a compelling occasion for approximating business goals with social and environmental goods. Sharing these stories of success strengthens confidence and loyalty between clients, investors and employees, proving that a commitment to ethical sustainability and practices promotes long -term growth and sustainability.
Those who are pessimistic about the state of granite or its abilities may not know, for example, that:
• NH is setting national leadership standards in our adoption of community power, communities owned by residents and civic education in schools.
• Many New Hampshire businesses are leading the way to building a sustainable future. Among them is Nemo Equipment, a Dover external gear company. Nemo’s endless promise line makes the equipment more circular, allowing the recycling and reuse of components.
• NH has one of the lowest levels of poverty in the country, and one of the best countries for the quality of life is constantly listed.
• Cities across the state are growing creatively to address the lack of housing.
My goal is not to reject the main journalism – its role is vital – but rather to address the imbalance in those stories are told. Researchers have widely studied how our media ecosystem amplifies negative, sensational narratives.
An overestimation of disasters and failures creates a distorted view of reality. While accepting challenges is essential, it is equally important to know the significant progress that is made – from the progress in malaria vaccines to the decline in extreme poverty and the cost of declining renewable energy.
These stories, often overlooked, demonstrate the potential for positive change and inspire innovation. Moreover, sharing these successes can have a profound impact on businesses, promoting a culture of optimism and encouraging investment in solutions that address global challenges.
By showing the positive impact of sustainable practices and innovative approaches, businesses can attract conscious consumers, build stronger partnerships, and increase their reputation as responsible corporate citizens.
One of my heroes, Angus Hervey of Fixthenews, does it best: “When we only hear stories of punishment, we fail to see the stories of opportunity. We deny ourselves the opportunity to do better. “
Granite’s kindness exists to bring about this perspective of optimism and progress to New Hampshire.
Yes, New Hampshire has challenges. Issues like the cost of living, the dependence and uncertainty of food are serious and heartbroken. But they are also solvable.
Those who study progress have a useful mantle to clarify an awareness of suffering with a desire for change: “The world is terrible. The world is much better. The world can be much better. “These statements coexist, without opposition.
By the attention of individuals and initiatives by creating influence, granite kindness tries to oppose our prejudice of collective negativity – not as a distraction from difficult problems, but as a catalyst for action. From basic efforts to escalating innovations, any story we share shows that optimism, paired with effort, leads to tangible results.
Our work aims to paint a different view of New Hampshire – one of the innovation, resistance and opportunity. We want to make a rational, active case that joy and progress can flourish in the face of disasters.
In the goodness of Granite, we believe it happens all the time, but many of us just don’t know about it.
So here’s to know – it’s a start!
Andy Demeo is the creator and host of Granite’s kindness, a podcast and a newsletter that covers stories of progress, solutions and positivity within and around the state of granite. To learn more, visit Granitegoodness.com.
The thoughts and views expressed in this article are his. The Sustainability Center has been produced every month for business review in NH by New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility (Nhbsr.org).