“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” - Helen Keller
I was recently asked about the impact optimism has had on my life. I’ve had friends say their glass is always half empty, and others insist they’re just “realists.” But for me, optimism has been one of the greatest drivers in my life. It has carried me through some of my darkest days, pushed me through my toughest challenges, and played a major role in any success I’ve experienced.
Optimism isn’t naïve, it’s a choice, a mindset and a skill we can all develop. And as we strengthen it, we start to see real changes:
- Optimists take more chances, and the more we try, the more opportunities we create for success.
- Optimists recover faster from setbacks, failure and disappointment. They don’t stay down long.
- Optimists look for what’s right, even when things feel wrong.
- Optimists find the lesson in every experience ... and that lesson becomes fuel for growth.
- Optimists attract others ... energy, attitude and belief are contagious, and people are drawn to those who see possibility.
Optimists handle uncertainty better because they believe things can work out, and that belief often becomes reality.
So, if your glass feels half empty, challenge yourself to start seeing what’s still there but also what could be added.
If you’re a realist, that’s valuable — you do want to pressure-test ideas by punching holes in things; think critically but start from a place of possibility. Begin with “yes,” and make sure it truly deserves a “no.”
And if you’re an optimist, keep going. Protect it. Feed it. Surround yourself with it.
Plant those seeds. Water them. Fertilize them. Give them sunlight.
Then step back and watch how your world begins to change.
(Talking about optimism — my friend Garrett Evans and I drove up to the Moosehead area to photograph the last solar eclipse. That trip itself was an act of faith. For Garrett, it meant a long drive from central New Hampshire, and for both of us, it meant trusting we’d find clear skies and the right place to capture something special.
We spent a couple of days driving, exploring and believing we’d come across the perfect setting. Then, as often happens when you stay in the game, something unexpected fell into place. By chance, we connected with my good friend John Solari, who happened to be at his camp. Without hesitation, he welcomed us in and offered his lakefront as the perfect vantage point.
What we captured that day wasn’t just the result of planning, it was the result of optimism. Of showing up, staying open and trusting that things would come together.
Sometimes, that’s all it takes. Photo credit: Garrett Evans)
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