Most everything in life has an upside and a downside. I am an optimist by choice and believe that opens my mind to many possibilities. Pessimism is self-limiting. Studies indicate optimists have better health, relationships, businesses, and an overall better life.
However, there is a downside to blind optimism. Blind optimism is the refusal to look at the complete picture, including what is not pretty and bright. There is ugliness, difficulty and pain in life and in business. People get sick and die. People can be hateful, mean, abusive, and filled with overwhelming problems. Tornados, cancer, wars, divorce, fights, poverty, abandoned children…..need I go on? Life is full of darkness and hard, unkind realities. My mother told me that life is not always a bowl of cherries!
A blind optimist refuses to face harsh realities. They might not balance the checkbook. They refuse to consider that their child may be on drugs. They believe if their attitude is positive, everything will fix itself. If a customer is unhappy, that is their problem, and they need to cheer up. Blind optimists often carry a judgmental attitude toward those who are not always cheery and lighthearted. They live in a fluffy world of ok, where everything is pleasant, pain free, problem free, and great. Awesome. Fantastic. They see everything and everyone as good and wonderful, and if brutal reality contradicts their beliefs, then ignorance is bliss. This is happy denial that is naïve and dangerous.
The pessimist worries and projects the worse possible outcome. Pessimism is a misuse of the creative mind. The choice to expect the worst so you won’t be disappointed is a very ineffective and de-energizing habit. The airy, fairy blind optimist refuses to look at any fact that contradicts the perfect world created in their head. This is also a misuse of the creative mind. Positive and negative lies are all lies, and war against what is real.
Here is the alternative to blind optimism and pessimism. It is a loving, embracing of reality. It begins by closely examining the logical evident facts. To solve a problem, you must first face and understand it. You can’t leave a place you’ve never been. A painful reality check offers a strong motivation to change. How many exercise programs have been born from heart attacks? The lesson is clear. Facing “what is” with your eyes wide open and being fully aware is the best foundation for creating solutions and winning the game. An accurate diagnosis of the current condition tells me what I have to face and what I need to make a change.
First, embrace the current facts. Then choose optimism and consider all the possibilities. Set stretch goals, and then create action-oriented solutions. This is an effective, energizing, and healthy way to live. I challenge you to embrace what is and then rise up and create positive change and beautiful outcomes.
Comments