What do you do when you feel thwarted? Living under supremacy culture can be incredibly demoralizing. This culture sets unrealistic expectations, upheld by a system designed to exploit the labor of the majority and strip them of their resources. So, what do you do when you’ve tried your best, but things still don’t go your way?

First, we assess the situation. Take a moment to be still and think. Is an individual standing in your way? Is there an internal lack of capacity? Or are you facing societal conditions that are too big to tackle alone? Identify the obstacles. Are any of these things you can change over time? If so, then work on changing them.

But often, you can’t change a person’s mind or make them see things your way. Changing society takes time. That’s when you pivot and produce. Look at other areas of your life or practice where you feel empowered. Focus your energy there. Change your material circumstances. Help improve someone else’s life. Adjust something within yourself. Move society in small ways that are visible and meaningful to you.

Beware of the traps supremacy culture sets for you. You will be invited to resolve feelings of disempowerment by indulging in oppressive behaviors. Supremacy culture serves only the ruling class, and it encourages you to feel superior to others as a way to feel better, rather than genuinely improving the material conditions of everyone.

When you feel thwarted, focus on actions that empower both yourself and others. Avoid supremacy culture’s tricks, and instead, take steps that foster real change.