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Jane Austen’s publisher might have thought of a better title than Pessimism and Positivity. Whether or not, the issue is high on many peoples’ agenda at present and I have been trying to fathom why. Recently many Mentees have come to me happy in their jobs and relationships but aware that they are losing their self-esteem and self-confidence. They are concerned about the consequences when others notice.

2011 has had its fair share of troubles but the root of most worries is lack of certainty about the future. Unease spread by the last financial crisis, doubts about lessons learnt and action taken to avoid a similar problem, illogical support for some dubious regimes while condemning others very similar leaves us with big questions.

Some of the world’s increasing complexity is technological; some of it is selling by confusion. Too many wires on your desk make it difficult to see the one supplying the power. Too much jargon obscures the fundamentals we need to understand now.

My diagnosis is that people are worrying about the problems, not seeing the opportunities. There may indeed be difficulties on the horizon. Sensible action we can take is threefold. First, see that as far as possible we are financially protected against shortages and inflation. We may be able to do so in only a limited way. Once we have ordered our most sensible course of action, we should relax. Fretting won’t make us more secure but it may make us ill.

Second, plan to seize all possible opportunities for the medium term. Equip ourselves to do more than we can at present. Set yourself some realistic targets to learn more, to earn more and to help others. Countries may have to isolate themselves against enemies but individuals have to join forces with friends in troubled times. Simple plans with dates provide purpose and objectives. These soon dispel waning confidence.

Third, look to see the fundamentals in every apparently complex situation. All the changes of the last century have not dispelled them, merely buried them under a lot of rubbish. Get them out, brush them off, reexamine them. They are there to support us.

As Jane Austen might have said it is a time for Sensitivity and Simplicity.