5 Key Lessons from the Election: Moving On Purpose

Each election does more than decide leaders; it reveals the character of a nation and invites us to reflect on the journey we’re on together. Periods of transition stir up a whirlwind of emotions—hope, celebration, disappointment, reflection—and nowhere is this more obvious than after a presidential election, when half the country finds itself caught in a fog of disillusionment, while the other experiences a renewed sense of national optimism. But beneath the headlines and beyond the initial reactions lies a deeper opportunity to ask ourselves: What comes next? How do we collectively choose to move forward? For me, the answer is simple and profound—we move on purpose.

As a cultural preservationist, I know that purposeful movement isn’t just about resilience; it’s rooted in honoring lessons from  history while intentionally shaping the future. Preservation is, at its core,  about finding meaning in the past that helps us make sense of not only today, but 50 years from now. “Moving on purpose” means we ground ourselves in values that guide us and commit to actively shaping a legacy that reflects who we are and who we aspire to be.

The recent election results offer insights that go beyond politics. They push us to reflect on how we show up—as individuals, as co-workers, as leaders, and as members of our communities. Here are five key lessons we can carry forward to help us navigate transition and move on purpose.

Reading Soundtrack: Everything Must Change by Randy Crawford

1.  Look

Transitions, whether in politics, culture, or our personal lives, remind us that change is constant and inevitable. Election outcomes may not always align with our preferences or expectations (to be honest, they seldom do), but they offer a moment to adapt and ask what we can learn. What is the meaning of this moment? Just as cultural preservation requires us to approach change with a broad perspective—holding onto what’s meaningful while making space for the now and the new—so, too, must we approach political transitions.

Acceptance isn’t about passivity; it’s about recognizing where we are so we can make meaningful choices about where we want to go. The shifts and trends revealed through voting patterns require us to adapt and find ways to engage more effectively with the communities and values they reflect. Whether we’re celebrating or challenged by the results, moving on purpose means accepting change as  both an opportunity and a strategy to move forward.

2.  Listen

The election results serve as a powerful reminder of the diversity of thought and experience within the nation. It’s all too easy to remain within our own circles, hearing only the perspectives that align with our own. I see it on my own social media feed—the same meme shared by people on opposite sides, each side using it to support their particular viewpoint. This reflection of our biases can deepen divides, but it can also be a moment of clarity.

Moving on purpose requires that we intentionally break free from the echo chambers that reinforce our beliefs. When algorithms reinforce our views, we lose sight of the wider spectrum of opinions, experiences, and values that make up the whole picture. Real growth happens when we actively seek out and engage with differing viewpoints. This doesn’t mean we have to agree, but it means we should be ready to open ourselves to new perspectives to find shared values and understand that the “how” may look different, but are there aspects of the “what” that can serve as a bridge to move us forward.

3.  Reorient

Preservationists manage change. One of the ways we undertake this work – and, believe me, wading into the past is not an easy job – is realizing that values, and the stories that help carry them from one generation to the next, resonate beyond any single moment. Just as our past is not a single story, our collective narratives transcend individual events or ideologies. Those are bigger than any election cycle. Moving on purpose means staying anchored to the values that guide us, even in times of uncertainty.

Protecting the nation’s core values means committing to principles that uplift us all, irrespective of political divides. It’s about ensuring that, whatever changes may come, our North Star remains unchanged.

4. Commit 

One of the most empowering aspects of moving on purpose is realizing that, while we may not control the outcome, we always control our response. In times of political shifts, focusing on the work empowers us. We may not be able to dictate election results, but we can decide how we show up in our daily lives.

In cultural preservation, we strive to make our work not only a reflection of the past but a refracting lens for the values we want to uphold today and in the future. This commitment to purposeful work is about more than just preserving history—it’s about actively managing change and creating a legacy that speaks to the best of who we are. Whatever your field, when you commit to your work with purpose, you turn every effort into a statement of what you believe in and where you hope to lead others.

5. Make "We" Bigger Than "Me"

When we make a decision to see beyond our individual interests and expand our vision to include others, that's moving on purpose. In preservation, we’re often tasked with bridging divides, bringing together voices from different backgrounds, perspectives, and even political leanings to protect something larger than ourselves. This work has shown me that we don’t always have to agree on everything to accomplish meaningful goals. Sometimes, the strength of our collective purpose is what makes progress possible.

When we make the “we” bigger than the “me,” we move beyond lines drawn in the sand and recognize that shared values can unite us, even if our approaches differ. Purposeful movement isn’t about erasing differences; it’s about building on common ground. By focusing on what we can accomplish together, we move forward with a sense of unity and commitment to a legacy that reflects the best of all of us.

I know I said five, but here's a bonus! 

6. On Purpose

Moving on purpose is a call to action—a reminder that, no matter the outcome, we each have a role to play in shaping the future. Democracy is a journey, and every step we take brings us closer to the society we envision. As we reflect on the lessons of this election, let’s choose to move with intention, guided by our values and committed to a path that includes everyone.

There will always be challenges,  and so there will always be purpose. This work isn’t new; it called to us yesterday, last month, four years ago. And it will continue to call, asking for our commitment today, tomorrow, and well into the future. In times of change, we can work, we can rest, we can build, but we must never stop. When we move on purpose, we aren’t just responding to the present; we’re building a future that honors the best of who we are and the possibilities of what we can achieve—together. Let's build forward.