Ask "What makes you Optimistic?"
By Victor Perton, the Author of "Optimism: The How and Why"
People often ask me what makes me optimistic.
There is a long list of facts, stories and human advances that strengthen my optimism. Yet one of the things that most reliably lifts my day is opening my email and social media messages and finding answers to my favourite question:
What makes you optimistic?
I ask that question of leaders, friends, colleagues, students, strangers and people I meet through The Centre for Optimism. Their answers are generous, surprising and often deeply moving. I share many of them through social media, blogs, speeches and books.
Why don’t you try it?
Ask a colleague, friend or family member:
What makes you optimistic?
Most people pause. Then they begin to search their own life for the people, experiences, beliefs, hopes, habits and possibilities that help them look to the future with confidence. Often, they are cheered by answering. You may be lifted by asking.
Author Megumi Miki told me, “Even being asked the question ‘What makes you optimistic?’ caused me to look for the bright side, which is very uplifting. When you couple optimism with the courage to confront reality, it is a powerful force for positive change.”
Sometimes people need time.
A father once followed my suggestion and asked his wife and children what made them optimistic. He sent me thoughtful answers from his wife and daughter. His 16-year-old son gave him a rather more colourful response. I suggested he leave it for a month or two and ask again later.
Some people may answer, “Nothing.” That is all right. Do not argue. Do not force it. Let the question sit with them. Often, with time, a small answer appears: a person, a memory, a place, a belief, a hope, a habit, or something they still want to help make better.
Early one morning in Delhi, I met an engineer who looked a little sad. I asked him, “What makes you optimistic?” He answered, “Nothing.”
We talked a little longer. I shared some reasons for optimism and asked a few more questions.
The following morning at breakfast, I suddenly heard a large voice calling, “Vince, Vince.” It was the engineer. He told me I had changed his whole day and his outlook for the fortnight in India.
He could not remember my name, yet he remembered how the question had made him feel.
That is why I keep asking.
The question also works beautifully in groups.
You can ask it in business meetings, board meetings, team days, community gatherings, classrooms, workshops and conferences. Not every week, or it may lose its freshness. Try it every three months as a simple way to renew optimism, deepen connection and understand more about the people around the table.
Ask each person:
What makes you optimistic?
The answers will often reveal more than a status update ever could. People may speak about family, faith, work, nature, progress, service, young people, science, community, or a person who gives them confidence in the future.
In a boardroom, the question can lift the conversation above risk alone and remind people what is worth building. In a workplace, it can help colleagues see one another as whole people. In a community meeting, it can bring people back to shared possibility.
The leader does not need to make a speech. The leader can simply ask a better question.
The answers are often inspiring. People tell us they are optimistic because of “faith, family and friends”, because of “the curiosity and goodness” of children and grandchildren, because of sunlight, birdsong, gardens, food shared with others, and “paying it forward”. Others speak of mindset, self-empowerment, teaching, service, science, community, young people, and the people who keep helping even when life is hard.
One person may answer with a grand vision for humanity. Another may answer with a flower, a neighbour, a student, a meal, a song, or the warmth of the morning sun. Together, these answers remind us that optimism is not found in one place. It is found wherever people notice what is good, strengthen what is possible, and act with confidence that their contribution matters.
Comedian Rob Auton asks, “How do we stay optimistic in times of such uncertainty?” His answer begins in a beautifully practical place: “I think the best place to start is asking what I am certain of and why I should be optimistic about that.”
Chester Elton, author, speaker, coach and mentor, answered the question with warmth and gratitude: “What a wonderful question! My faith, family and friends keep me optimistic. Faith because I believe that there is a plan for all of us that leads to happiness and fulfilment. It also allows me to serve my fellow man and that brings me great joy. Family is what keeps me centred. My wife Heidi of 37 years helps me keep my life in balance. My children and grandchildren always amaze me with their curiosity and goodness. And friends love and encourage me every day. They help me and allow me to help them. Because of my faith, family and friends I have much to be grateful for in my life. It keeps me optimistic. It brings me great happiness and joy. Thank you for asking and allowing me this time to reflect on the many good things in my life. My father would say, ‘Happiness is a choice. Choose to be happy.’ Not always easy. Always worth the try.”
Now the challenge is yours.
Ask yourself:
What makes me optimistic?
Then ask someone else:
What makes you optimistic?
It might be mindset, life experience, faith, family, work, community, nature, a person, a habit, or a hope for the future.
And when you have your answer, please consider sharing it with The Centre for Optimism. We are gathering reflections from people around the world to better understand what makes people optimistic and how people strengthen optimism in their lives, work and communities.
You can share your reflection on what makes you optimistic through our website or email it to me directly.
I would be grateful to hear your answer.
What makes you optimistic?
Read More:
Anand Kulkarni on "Our Optimism Survey in Action"
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Project Optimism has produced "The Optimist's Gratitude Journal: 100 days to share and develop your gratitude" which is very helpful. 
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