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“The phrase I’ve heard people use is this idea of "determined optimism."
So said the Head of TED, Chris Anderson in an interview with Good Good Good Editor-in-Chief, Branden Harvey.
“The phrase I’ve heard people use is this idea of ‘determined optimism. The key recognition is that the future isn’t predetermined; it’s created by people. The reason people come to TED is to understand what future possibilities are,” said Chris Anderson.
“The intention isn’t specifically to do good news,. It’s to understand the world as it really is. Part of the problem with narratives we normally have is that, for two reasons, they turn out more negative than they should be. One, we’re evolved to pay more attention to threats and the dark, and the other is that [good] things take longer to come together.”
In the tributes to Queen Elizabeth, Yvette Cooper, the Labour MP for Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford, said, "she embodied the values that we still want to see as British—the resilience, the strength, the kindness, the fairness, the common decency, the determined optimism that things will get better because we will make them so, and that selfless duty and commitment to public service. She held up a mirror to our nation of what we want to be. She may not be the forever Queen that I still believed in at the silver jubilee, but those values that she stood up for were forever values, and those are her legacy now."
What is Determined Optimism?
As described by TED CEO Chris Anderson, determined optimism is a mindset that recognises the power of human agency in shaping the future.
It is a belief that the future is not predetermined but instead created by the intentional actions of individuals and communities.
It is an attitude that combines resilience, strength, kindness, fairness, and common decency with a firm conviction that positive change is possible through collective effort and selfless commitment to public service.
At its core, determined optimism is a mindset that acknowledges the challenges and uncertainties of the future but refuses to succumb to negativity or despair. It is a proactive approach that embraces the idea that individuals and communities have the power to influence the direction of the future through their actions, choices, and beliefs. It recognises that change is possible and requires a sense of purpose, determination, and unwavering optimism.
Marillyn Hewson, Former Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer at Lockheed Martin, wrote, "I’m a determined optimist. It’s true that we have a difficult road ahead of us, one that will at times require making tough decisions. Yet I prefer to address the challenges of today while focusing on the possibilities of tomorrow. I don’t allow myself to get bogged down in negativity and neither should you. Just as leaders cannot lead from the rear, they cannot inspire from isolation – and pessimism and cynicism are isolating characteristics... I believe that determined optimism is a prescription for leadership in tough times. Because, really, what good does hand-wringing and worrying do? It’s a needless distraction that makes it more difficult to move forward. My commitment to determined optimism makes me grateful that I work with engineers. I’ve never met an engineer who believed that a problem – any problem – couldn’t be solved. Yet optimism isn’t reserved just for engineers. It works for anyone in any field. It just requires a steadfast belief that there’s an answer for every challenge."
Determined optimism is characterised by resilience, the ability to bounce back from setbacks and adversity. It is about persevering in the face of challenges and obstacles and not giving up even when the going gets tough. It is a mindset that acknowledges that setbacks may occur but sees them as opportunities for growth and learning rather than insurmountable barriers.
Strength is another vital aspect of determined optimism. It is about having the inner fortitude to stay committed to positive change, even when faced with difficulties or opposition. It is a mindset that enables individuals and communities to stand firm in their convictions and take bold and courageous actions to pursue a better future.
Kindness and fairness are also integral to determined optimism. It is about treating others with respect and empathy and striving for inclusivity and equality in all actions and decisions. It is a mindset that promotes cooperation and collaboration, recognising that positive change often requires collective effort and understanding.
Moreover, determined optimism is rooted in the sense of common decency, which involves acting with integrity, honesty, and compassion towards others. It is about being guided by ethical principles and moral values in all actions and choices and making decisions prioritising the well-being of all stakeholders involved.
In addition to these qualities, determined optimism is characterised by a belief in selfless duty and commitment to public service. It is a mindset that recognises the importance of serving others and contributing to the greater good. It involves putting the needs of the community and society above personal interests and working towards creating a better future for all.
Determined optimism is a mindset that embodies resilience, strength, kindness, fairness, common decency, selfless duty, and commitment to public service. It is a belief in the power of human agency to shape the future and a recognition that positive change is possible through intentional actions and collective effort.
Finally, it is a mindset that refuses to succumb to negativity or despair and instead believes in the potential of individuals and communities to create a brighter tomorrow.
As aptly summarised by Yvette Cooper in her tribute to Queen Elizabeth, determined optimism is a mindset that embodies the values we aspire to see in society, and it is a powerful force for driving positive change in the world.
Read More on Determined Optimism
In "Building a Successful Team through Determined Optimism: Winners vs. Whiners", Joseph Kim wrote,
"Let me clarify what I mean by a “determined optimist.” Winners do not adopt blind optimism in which they live in an overly hopeful fantasy world. Instead, a “determined optimist” is differentiated from a general optimist in two key ways:
- Situational Awareness: The determined optimist is very clear on his or her specific circumstances. They fully understand their situation including both strengths and weaknesses no matter how grim the situation may be. Jim Collins describes this kind of awareness through The Stockdale Paradox.
- Manifests Reality: Determined optimists figure out ways to win. They focus on solutions and figure out how to win regardless of their specific situation.
In "No Democracy Doom, Friends! Reasons for Determined Optimism", Anna Galland and Sarah M. Williams wrote, "we’re not embarrassed to remain determinedly optimistic. We draw strength from the collective strength, winning strategies, and momentum in our own movement’s history — including recent history."
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