Core Values – 7. Optimism
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This is the seventh post in the series on Core Values in the workplace. In it I talk about the sixth and final value. There will then be an 8th post with some conclusions. If this series has been of interest, you may be interested to know that there will be an expanded version in booklet form due out in a few weeks. Subscribe to the website or email me if you are interested…
The thing about a cliché is that it becomes a cliche because it has currency. So, that well-trodden expression: “are you a glass half empty or a glass half full person” does have substance to it. The world seems to be divided into these two categories – those that see what is missing in life, and those that celebrate what they actually have.
Taking an optimistic outlook on life is a key element of the values I am setting out, because it creates the tone for the other values. Looking optimistically at any situation, creates a real can-do attitude, an approach that believes there is a positive solution to any situation. It is also the basis from which to work with an “owner” state of mind. Chris Brogan talks extensively about the owner. It’s the opposite of being a victim. When we own our reality, and are prepared to tackle any situation and look for a solution, we are creating the causes for success. Even when things are not going well, it is possible to see an optimistic position – things could be worse, at least we don’t have to sort that out, at least we can make some choices, there’s a lot to learn from this situation. There are always positive ways to look at any situation.
It is also interesting to see how adopting an optimistic value set can be infectious. For a start, when we are optimistic about the possible outcome in a situation, others will adopt that attitude with us – willing us to succeed. Sometimes it is possible to create a more optimistic reality in the future by talking it up and getting others to believe that it will happen. Overcoming barriers and obstacles by having a strong conviction of optimism can actually help the barriers to disappear. A dogged belief in the future is what gets so many successful people to achieve the seemingly impossible. I wrote more about this in a recent post about being unreasonable.
Even whilst all around is crumbling and falling apart, there is a key place for unfaltering optimism. If we look deep within, that optimism is always there.
1 thought on “Core Values – 7. Optimism”
I received training in positivity back in the 1980’s and believe strongly in its effects. I was once walking between hospital buildings by myself and thinking hard, not smiling, when my default was always to smile. One of my staff saw me and was sufficiently concerned to come over to my office to see if I was alright, which was a very nice thing to do but also taught me about broader self awareness