Optimism is dictionary-defined as an attitude or mind-set that things will turn out well. Some of us seem, naturally, to be wired more this way than others. Yet, given current events we might be finding its darker twin, pessimism, in greater supply.
So, it was great to discover a different and really useful take in a Seth Godin blog I read earlier this week. Optimism as a discipline rather than a mood and its role in helping us build the future – something we make together, rather than it happening to us.
Which connects with one of our favourite quotes at azzur…
‘The future is not some place we are going, but one we are creating. The paths are not to be found, but made. And the activity of making them changes both the maker and the destination.’
John Schaar
This clearly sets out the responsibility for leaders, and everyone of us, to choose to create a future better than the past.
In this reality, as Godin points out, optimism as a discipline becomes an essential tool, getting us beyond the pessimistic, hopeless, powerless, constraints of ‘what’s the point?’ ‘What difference can I make?’ ‘This will pass.’ ‘This won’t work.’ There are many variations on this theme that stay useful action.
And yet, there’s something more to consider. How do we make optimism truly powerful in creating a better world not just for us, or our family and friends, or those we lead, but for all?
Examining our choices is helpful. Who are they serving – self, others, something bigger. We can consider, too, the purity of our intention in those choices.
Cultivating our thoughts, words, choices, actions consciously, ensuring purity of motive, in service of the greater good will help us actively contribute to a better future rather than passively hoping for it.
Let’s start now.