History will probably show that 2026 was an interesting year! There was a lot of turmoil and uncertainty in the world.

There are 2 active wars – in Ukraine and Iran which are touching the whole world in many different ways. The two most discussed are the need for cash strapped governments to increase their defense spending and at the personal level, the cost of fuel and its contribution to inflation.

AI has surfaced as a major disrupting technology ; on one hand, offering great advances to humanity, but also perturbing job markets and raising concerns about the future employment prospects for young people. Apparently, no one truly knows if this technology can be controlled and hence the specter of it becoming a “black tool” for bad actors.

Across Europe there have been widespread demonstrations about the cost of living, education, social infrastructure and the lack of solutions proffered by governments.

Other issues that pop up periodically include, global warming, immigration, trade wars, health care, natural disasters………

And yet, amongst all this , daily life for us all continues.

The question is how much of our emotional thinking should we put into the apparent chaos that surrounds us?

One point of view is that there is nothing any individual can do to influence these global events so just ignore it all and get on with life. Que sera,sera!

At the other extreme is you research every news bulletin and worry about each and every possible consequence, let it affect your wellbeing and eventually allow your life to stagnate. “I won’t do that, just in case”Paralysis by analysis!

The middle ground is to understand broadly what is going on, the cause and effects and likely implications for your life. Being able to scan the horizon, understand the linkages and likely risks and timescales will help. Internalizing the matrix to come to your own personal viewpoint is important so that you can better make those important decisions that touch you, your family and community. It is important that you own this analysis – rather than following some abstract, but charismatic commentator who really has little relevance to your situation.

Questions such as

• What guidance about career choices can I give children/ grandchildren in a world with AI?
• How secure is my employment?
• How should I invest any life savings I may have when there is so much uncertainty and volatility?
• Is it a safe time to make big purchases? Is an electric car a good choice?
• and so so!

Where you land on this spectrum is very much a personal choice. However, I cannot help but think that it will be linked to your personality, appetite for risk, ability to “join up the dots” … but one thing I feel strongly is that where you land should be a conscious choice – your choice.