Sustainability affirmations help you find your role in the world. You become more mindful of what you need to do to help make sustainability the norm and dismantle unsustainable practices. Actions are crucial, but sometimes all you need is a different perspective to understand what the future holds for you. A sustainable lifestyle has a lot to offer and can contribute to your overall well-being. That is sometimes all you need – feeling good. A game changer is to understand your potential and how your well-being connects to the natural environment and the decisions you make along the way.

A Sustainability Mindset helps us to understand complex systems better. Through awareness about everything that’s going wrong, we create the ability to step one step back and reflect on the situation. A Sustainability mindset helps us to effectively analyse complex challenges and generate appropriate solutions. Embracing Sustainability has never been easier by applying the 12 principles of a Sustainability mindset. We don’t always need cutting-edge technology. Sometimes real change comes from within us; to create the impact we want to see in our world. Sustainability is not difficult nor hard, it’s everything good we want to create. For us, for others, for the planet.

In view of the many crises we need to overcome, it can feel quite daunting. Too many think they do not have enough of what it takes to make our world sustainable. It might be true because they think in a way that does not encourage action. Thinking differently has been frowned upon for too long. But that’s what we need: the diverse capabilities of all human brains. Sustainability thinking can become a successful pathway to deal with environmental issues, social unrest and economic collapse. A sustainable future depends on the way you imagine it. Make the most out of it!

Living in urban areas is a challenge for sustainable transitions. Most cities were not built to be in balance with the natural environment. Hence, sustainable urban living is no longer a necessity – it is a must. It is not easy for citizens to live environmentally friendly and socially responsible because unsustainability is the norm in urban areas. Inefficient transport systems, massive amounts of waste, irresponsible use of energy and poor land and building management are only a few obstacles that put a heavy burden on the environment and societies. Is sustainable urban living the answer for us individuals to make a difference?

Sustainable development requires societal change and societal change starts with us. If we actively decide to evolve and expand our current knowledge, skills, attitudes and values, we have the chance to become the change we want to see in the world. Moreover, we need to take action with respect to real-world sustainability problems. An effective way to make a difference is to learn about the key competencies in sustainability. Those competencies create a nurturing ground where we can build the future we want. Instead of being a passive citizen, you can become engaged and empowered. Sometimes this can be as easy as expanding your competencies.

Change is inevitable. What should we do when a number of people cling to a system that is harmful but the norm? Economic degrowth is mocked by the corporate world and governments. Although it seems irrational to continue an economic system that is based on exploitation and destruction, there is little openness to rethink our global economies. Does a remedy exist? Imagine what a future that favours prosperity and sustainable development could look like. I have difficulty imagining a sustainable global economy. Let me introduce you to degrowth and the tragedy of the commons. Two concepts not paired before!

The WHO’S GONNA SAVE US podcast is about the heroes who will enable the world to avert the worst impacts of a climate disaster: people like you and me. Questions about “Why do we have to do it?” are changed to “How are we going to do it?” This podcast provides you with inspirational stories from people who simply want a better future. A future where we are not threatened by the climate crisis. How they are doing it is wonderfully discovered by the host Jo Lauder and her team.

The global financial system relies on growing consumption to sustain an ever-expanding economy on a planet with finite resources. Money is not only an exchange medium to buy the things you need or want. Every time you purchase a product or service, you vote. Unfortunately, most purchasing decisions contribute to the further destruction of the environment and exploitation of people. Financial literacy is now a crucial skill for making purchase decisions that can make a difference. Use your purchasing power to do good – for you, the planet and your bank account. It is easy, I will show you how!

We know all about speed limits, alcohol limits, calorie limits, age limits and so on. Those are limits we have to take individual action on because we are responsible for ourselves. The planetary limits, known as the planetary boundaries, is a collective responsibility of all of us. The planetary boundaries define the environmental limits within which humans can safely exist, develop and thrive. Pushing the Earth’s systems is putting our livelihoods at risk. Therefore, our responsibility is to know our Earth’s limits and operate in ways which lead to prosperity.

Soft skills are a resourceful set of traits to contribute to social sustainability. For too long, the positive effects of soft skills have been neglected, but now is the time to shine. The mix of social skills can tremendously contribute to a better sustainable transformation of our lives and well-being. Soft skills aren’t all about better work performance and ethics. We need to shift our focus away from keeping only our economies going, but keeping ourselves alive; emotionally and physically. Developing your soft skills abilities will bring you one step closer to dealing with the world’s challenges.