The worst decade in the past 50 years. Good riddance. That’s the collective ranking of, and sentiment towards, the oughties in the latest PEW Research Center Study. A mere 27% said their impression of the last decade was positive, compared to 57% for the decade of the 90s. And 50% had an overall negative impression of this decade, compared with just 19% for the 90s.

Given the current financial crisis, it’s not surprising to see sentiment like this in a survey. In fact, some people believe this decade will come to be compared to the likes of the 1920s. Call me an optimist, but when I really look at the first 10 years of the 21st century, and think about it in comparison to other significant decades, like the 60s, I’m more inclined to believe it’s been one of those defining times that will prove to be transformative.

So much has happened it’s almost biblical in its bookending events. The televised tragedy of 9/11 and the election of America’s first black president—a man whose name meant nothing to anyone outside of politics until just a few years before his ascension to the most powerful office in the world.

In the last 10 years, we’ve certainly seen the good, the bad and more than our share of the ugly.  But as Einstein proposed in his three rules of work: Out of clutter, find simplicity. From discord, find harmony. In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.

Difficulty can and does spark extraordinary ideas.  Here’s to an extraordinary future.  Cheers and Happy New Year!