7 Things to Do If Your Candidate Loses

After a divisive presidential election cycle, which pitted neighbor against neighbor and split the country down the middle, there will be many disappointed people after the results are announced. Chances are, you might be one of them. Here are seven things you can do to ease some of the discomfort following the election.

Reflect

Look back on the recent election cycle and evaluate the factors that contributed to your candidate’s loss. Are there any lessons you can take from this and apply in your own life? For example, might you be more tactful and respectful of others? Could you resolve to be more compliant with your company’s IT-security policies?

Pat yourself on the back

You voted. You exercised your constitutional right. You are part of the process that makes our country free. This is what people fought and died for over and over again. Anyone who is able to vote and doesn’t exercise that right doesn’t have much of a right to complain about the country’s woes, do they?

Take action

Are you a one-issue voter? Are you passionate about a cause? Get involved. Make it a point to write to the victor on a regular basis and tell them how you feel. Contribute time or finances to organizations dedicated to issues important to you.

Mend friendships

It used to be that people didn’t talk about politics in polite conversation. Social media has changed all that, and it often reveals details that we might not otherwise know about our friends. You might discover core beliefs in them that are polar-opposite from yours. This could ruin your friendship, but it might also pave the way for deeper discussions and greater understanding.

Get ready for the next one

Will your candidate run in the next election? What about one of the candidates you liked from the primaries? Follow their activities over the next couple of years, and if possible, do what you can to help that person prepare for the next go around.

Respect the winner

Whether you are happy with the victor, or not, that person is now your president. Show some respect. If you disagree with their policies, by all means speak up. But do so respectfully. Like it or not, this is now your leader. This is your country.

Make a plan

Are you concerned about how the new president’s policies will affect your personal life? Do your research. Consult with experts, whether financial, healthcare-related, or social. Position yourself to defend against your perceived fears, or possibly, take advantage of changes that will actually benefit your own situation.

There you have it. Seven things you can do if your candidate loses. No matter what the outcome, though, we are all Americans. Politics and policies are merely a subset of that overarching truth.

–Ann Silverthorn