Standing in the doorway between our past and future, let’s reflect on a hero, Jimmy Carter, who walked his talk as a champion for democracy.

From my point of view. It’s all about civility. This is essential as we gird ourselves for what’s ahead, a future that looks eerily like Berlin in January 1933, when Hitler took over.

President Carter’s legacy of civility (there’s so much more, but here are ten things).

He championed human rights.
Carter prioritized human rights globally, using diplomacy to address inequality and promote justice. His emphasis on dialogue over confrontation showcased his belief in the power of understanding.

He treated political opponents with respect.
During his political career, Carter refrained from personal attacks, focusing on policy differences rather than character assassinations.

He emphasized community service.
After his presidency, Carter dedicated his life to public service through initiatives like Habitat for Humanity, showing how leaders can continue contributing to society with humility and compassion.

He advocated for peaceful resolutions.
Carter’s Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel demonstrated his ability to mediate complex disputes with patience and empathy, emphasizing peaceful solutions over divisiveness.

He maintained dignity in defeat.
After losing the 1980 presidential election, Carter gracefully conceded, offering support to his successor and encouraging national unity.

He promoted democracy globally.
Carter’s work with the Carter Center to monitor elections worldwide highlighted his commitment to fairness and civility in governance.

He lived a humble lifestyle.
After his presidency, Carter’s decision to return to his modest home in Plains, Georgia, reflected his belief in humility and relatability, connecting him to everyday Americans.

He acknowledged his mistakes.
Carter openly admitted his administration’s challenges and mistakes, modeling accountability and the importance of learning from errors.

He engaged in (insisted on) bipartisan efforts.
Carter worked across party lines to address global issues like disease eradication and poverty, showing that collaboration is possible even in a polarized environment.

He spoke with kindness and clarity.
Whether in interviews, speeches, or personal interactions, Carter’s language uplifted and informed rather than divided, embodying civility in all his communication.

President Carter reminded us that civility is not just about words—it’s about actions that reflect respect, humility, and a commitment to the greater good.

Ten Intentional (and Painless) Ways to Return Civility to Our World

1. Smile and greet people. A warm smile and a friendly “hello” can create a moment of connection, even with a stranger.
2. Use kind language. Choose words that uplift and avoid inflammatory or derogatory language, even when discussing difficult topics.
3. Listen actively. Give others your full attention and strive to understand their perspective without interrupting or preparing your response while they speak.
4. Compliment genuinely. Offer a sincere compliment to a stranger or acquaintance to spread positivity.
5. Express gratitude. Thank people for their efforts, whether it’s a family member, coworker, or stranger holding the door.
6. Apologize sincerely. Acknowledge mistakes and make amends with a genuine apology when you’ve caused harm.
7. Avoid making assumptions. Approach others with curiosity and openness instead of jumping to conclusions based on appearances or preconceived notions.
8. Promote diverse voices. Share content that highlights perspectives from different backgrounds and experiences to encourage inclusivity.
9. Celebrate others’ successes. Congratulate friends, family, and colleagues on achievements without comparison or envy.
10. Respect your community. Shop locally, and leave parks, streets, and shared areas clean and welcoming for everyone.

The upside of civility is that it’s good for your brain and your health.

While measuring civility is challenging, evidence supports that it works similarly to optimism and positive thinking. For our purposes, I considered being civil, to be a form of positivity.

Optimism and resilience play a significant role in how we endure tough times. Research has found that optimistic people cope better with stress, recover more effectively from setbacks, and are less likely to suffer from depression and anxiety.

On a social level, Barbara Fredrickson’s Broaden-and-Build Theory highlights how positive emotions expand individuals’ thinking and problem-solving capabilities, allowing them to develop meaningful social connections. This is supported by studies showing that positive interactions enhance teamwork and cooperation.

The ripple effect further emphasizes that positivity is contagious; research on emotional contagion has demonstrated that one person’s positive mood can influence those around them, fostering a more harmonious and productive environment.

Your body appreciates it. Physiologically, reducing stress through positivity lowers cortisol levels, which benefits overall health. Optimism and a positive outlook can lead to lower stress hormone levels.

The brain also benefits. From a neuroscientific perspective, the concept of neuroplasticity reveals that positive thoughts and mindfulness practices can rewire the brain, creating new pathways that promote emotional regulation and optimism.

MRI studies indicate that regular gratitude and meditation practices lead to measurable changes in brain structure. Furthermore, positive emotions activate the brain’s reward circuits, releasing dopamine and reinforcing positive experiences. Neuroscience research illustrates how these mechanisms encourage people to repeat positive behaviors.

Behavioral evidence also supports the idea that positive energy works. Optimism and a positive mindset enhance motivation and persistence, improving outcomes in both personal and professional settings. For instance, athletes with a positive mental attitude perform better under pressure. Positive reinforcement is another behavioral mechanism, as focusing on good outcomes strengthens desirable behaviors over time. Behavioral therapy often uses positive reinforcement to encourage habit formation and growth.

We should call all of this the Ted Lasso Effect.

Real-world use cases further highlight the power of positive energy. In the workplace, teams that cultivate a positive culture report higher morale, lower turnover, and innovation. Studies in the Harvard Business Review show that positive work environments consistently outperform negative ones. Similarly, positive energy improves relationships by fostering trust, empathy, and cooperation.

The Ted Lasso Effect for Non-Athletes.

As we rebuild democracy, civility is an essential ingredient.

Civility is essential to democracy – so important that even the GW Bush website says it’s vital. The Civility Project, a nonprofit organization, offers workshops for companies and organizations looking to embrace an approach to working together for constructive outcomes.

It’s a thing that matters and is something we can control as individuals.

It’s time to get our house (Senate, Supreme Court, and executive branch) in order. It starts with us. I’m not saying be quiet or demure—Lord no—but I am encouraging us to do it in a way that supports democracy.