“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” Helen Keller
In life, what you think about, you will attract. Positive thoughts will lead to positive outcomes and thus negative thoughts will lead to negative outcomes. Isn’t it therefore the case that optimism could be considered as the most important character trait to adopt and practice in both your personal and professional life?
Optimism sits hand in hand with curiosity, giving you the strength to stretch out of your comfort zone to explore exciting new adventures, to see the beauty in all things, to be grateful, to be a problem-solver and to believe that things are possible. These will all lead to the road that optimism paves.
In October 2020, I worked with Gary Hosey from ei.co as he guided me through in great detail my results from the EQ-i 2.0 test I’d done identifying my successful attributes, essentially my natural strengths where I am functioning effectively. These positive qualities, or areas of gifting, impact my behaviours and so together with Gary’s expertise we also explored the potential cost of these high scores in my life.
I scored highly in optimism meaning that I am extensively optimistic, have the ability to remain positive despite setbacks and almost always see the world in a positive light. I believe in myself, have a glass half-full attitude and inspire those who I work with to overcome their challenges. I am able to see opportunities or possibilities that others may overlook. I set myself stretch targets and communicate a compelling vision that brings the best out in myself and those around me.
However, Gary showed me how my rose-coloured glasses could mean that sometimes I may miss important information and that I need to keep it real to ensure that any stretch goals I set are within my capacity and that I don’t ignore evidence that suggests I could be headed for a negative outcome.
With infinite levels of natural energy, enthusiasm, inspiration and motivation, my optimism and positivity shines through everything I do. However, life isn’t all rainbows and unicorns for you or for me. There are moments, days or even weeks when you will feel less optimistic as do I. That’s normal and actually healthy to view life through another lens to acknowledge emotions such as fear, anger or disgust. Notice what you are feeling and acknowledge it. You can’t ride the wave of optimism 24/7, however as an optimist, you are in control and will have a more positive outlook on the future. Optimism helps you to set goals, be productive, creative and focus on what is important to you.
Back in episode 133 Find Your Yellow Tux with Jesse Cole, Jesse said that you have to “find a way to focus on WHY.” Jesse lives life with optimism that is fun and crazy where there are no rules and with his “so what, now what” philosophy, Jesse pushed through hard times to bring out the best in all those around him. He had an idea to build something truly special to bring people together to heal and feel as though they belong. His optimism shone through and has changed the lives for so many.
Keep questioning what are you here on this planet for. Have an optimistic perspective and focus in life. Focus on Optimism!
ACTION POINT
Be an optimist and create a positive environment that you can control and have the confidence and application to achieve what you desire.
After all, why would you not?
Amy
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