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Eternal Optimism
"Being an eternal optimist, my makeup is about 80% prophet, 20% wizard," said Professor Julie Loisel in "The Optimism Series: There are over 100 solutions we can implement now to curb the effects of climate change."
That's an interesting way of expressing eternal optimism and being an eternal optimist!!
Are you a prophet?
Are you a wizard?
Are you an eternal optimist?
Sir Paul McCartney said, "I am the eternal optimist. No matter how rough it gets, there's always light somewhere. The rest of the sky may be cloudy, but that little bit of blue draws me on."
Climate Change and Eternal Optimism
Similarly, on climate optimism, Joyce Msuya, Assistant Secretary-General, United Nations, told me, “I am an eternal, impatient optimist. The environmental challenges we face are daunting but I believe we have the knowledge, ingenuity and tools to transform our planet. We owe it to future generations. In the last year, the state of our environment has been making headline news and young people are on the streets holding us to account. This groundswell of commitment grows each day and I am incredibly optimistic because time and again, humanity has risen to the challenge and I believe we can do so again. As anthropologist Margaret Mead once said, “Never believe that a few caring people can't change the world. For, indeed, that's all who ever have.”
What is Eternal Optimism?
Eternal optimism is an unwavering belief that good things will happen, regardless of challenges or setbacks. It embodies a resilient and hopeful outlook, consistently focusing on the positive aspects of situations and finding silver linings even in difficult times. Eternal optimists actively seek solutions and opportunities for improvement, inspiring and uplifting those around them. This persistent, optimistic mindset fosters perseverance, innovation, and collaboration, helping individuals and teams navigate challenges confidently and enthusiastically.
Perspectives on the Power of Eternal Optimism
Tim Diamond, General Manager of The Cotton On Foundation, told me, “Optimism is a way of life; it not only helps determine and create your own pathway but also projects its qualities to others around you. I owe my success and learnings through failure to optimism—and the work we do is driven by an eternal optimism, one that hopes and expects that the world can be a better place. Always. That optimism demands action and drives an ever-better mentality.”
Shyam Ramanathan told me, “Optimism is not some feel-good hype. It is a genuinely positive outlook on life irrespective of what is happening in your life. Optimism is genuinely the winner’s edge. If you study any achiever in any field, they are all eternal optimists. They always believe their best is yet to come. If you think some actors, even those in their 60s, want to achieve and genuinely believe their best is yet to come. So have an optimistic view of life and remember your best years are ahead of you. Take failures in your stride and ride to your crown with optimism in your heart.”
Gay Veale, US Air Force Chief Master Sergeant, said, “I’m an eternal optimist, and I believe in the power of positivity. Stay focused on the task at hand and realize you’re working toward something bigger than yourself. Stay positive."
Entrepreneurship and Eternal Optimism
Chris Gale, CEO of Latin Resources, told me, “As an entrepreneur, you have to be an eternal optimist!”
T Boone Pickens, an American Entrepreneur I met, said, "A good plan and hard work helped me get there, but neither are possible without healthy optimism. So, be the eternal optimist."
On his death, Oklahoma A&M Board of Regents and its Chairman Tucker Link said of Pickens “His eternal optimism, kindness and competitiveness inspired us always to reach higher.”
Nancy Youseff, Author of "Fear Money Purpose," wrote, “The way I see it, entrepreneurs are typically a different breed: we don't think the same as everyone else. We are eternally optimistic, even in the fast of overwhelmingly difficult odds. That optimism creates the ideas that keep you persistent, resilient and bouncing back when things fail. It’s almost like a disease!
Christianity, Islam and Sikhism and Eternal Optimism
In a Sermon from St Vincent's Parish Church, it was said, "The genuine Christian is an eternal optimist. He knows his faith and hope in God will not disappoint. He knows evil will not succeed in the end even though at times it might appear to be getting the upper hand. As the scriptures says: 'When Christ comes again all his enemies will be put under his feet'"
In Sikhism, chardi kala is the Punjabi term for aspiring to maintain a mental state of eternal optimism.
Mona Mobarek in "Hardships met with optimism" said, "The Quran for Muslims is a healing power and a great source of comfort for those who read and understand its meaning and message. This is why Muslims who practise their faith sincerely, are eternal optimists. No matter what they are facing, there is a strong conviction that everything is temporary and that good and bad come in cycles. We believe with hardships comes ease so after all that how can one not have hope and comfort knowing God is the ultimate source of hope."
My Uncle Victor
Victor Matison was my uncle, a table tennis champion and an eternal optimist. Delivering his eulogy, I referred to his lifelong optimism and quoted his favourite poem:
If you think you are beaten, you are;
If you think you dare not, you don't.
If you'd like to win, but you think you can't,
It is almost certain - you won't.
If you think you'll lose, you've lost;
For out in this world, we find
Success begins with a fellow's will
It's all in the state of mind.
If you think you're outclassed, you are;
You've got to think high to rise.
You've got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win the prize.
Life's battles don't always go
To the stronger or faster man;
But sooner or later, the man who wins
Is the one who thinks he can!
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