Once cynicism starts to creep in, it’s hard to get rid of. It changes the way I perceive my work, my environment, my collaborators.

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I would never encourage anyone to deliberately put their head in the sand about things that deserve our skepticism, resistance, or cynicism.

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But I never want to live inside of cynicism, or become defined by it. I’ve been there and don’t want to visit again.

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Instead, I collaborate with those feelings. When I follow the sources of my cynicism, I find what I really believe.

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At different times, that path has led to a new career, a new business to start, a clearer lens, firmer boundaries.

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Cynicism is a defense to hurt. With collaboration, hurt can become wisdom. And wisdom leads to places that are right for you.