Extremely Optimistic

"extremely optimistic"

So said Canadian Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, referring to the likelihood that Provincial premiers will cooperate on measures in the federal budget that touch on provincial legislation.

It caught my attention as optimism is a superpower and "extreme optimism"is infrequently used as an expression.

John Stanhope, Chancellor of Deakin University, told me, "I am extremely optimistic about our future because the creativity of people always finds a way to solve problems and change things for the better. History shows that while many problems seem insurmountable, optimistic, creative people make the difference. New jobs will be created, new industries will emerge, and an exciting new future will continue to evolve."

"I am extremely optimistic for the future of this great company and thrilled to be asked by the Board to return as its CEO," Bob Iger said. 

"I am full-blown loving all of my Pollyanna (extremely optimistic and cheerful) self. I have been cheerful and optimistic my entire life. Even through the hard stuff. I found the good… there was always good to be found," said Steph Parejamaas in "Why I Started Beautifully Changed."

Read "In Praise of Pollyanna"

Extreme optimism, exemplified by statements such as "extremely optimistic," showcases a powerful, almost unshakeable belief in positive outcomes regardless of the prevailing circumstances. 

This level of optimism is hopeful and based on a deep conviction that things will turn out well, even in the face of adversity or scepticism.

Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland's comment about the likelihood of provincial cooperation highlights this perspective, suggesting a confident expectation of alignment despite potential political hurdles. Such optimism, when held by leaders, can significantly influence negotiations and policy implementations, demonstrating an anticipatory joy in the process and its outcomes.

John Stanhope's expression of extreme optimism, rooted in the creative potential of humanity to overcome challenges and innovate, reflects a historical perspective that every age, no matter its trials, has witnessed human ingenuity prevailing over obstacles. This form of optimism acknowledges the past as a testimonial of human resilience and capability.

Similarly, Bob Iger's statement about his return as CEO resonates with extreme optimism about the future direction of the company he leads. It's a commitment to steering the company towards tremendous success, underpinned by a belief in its potential and people.

Despite life's difficulties, Steph Parejamaas's cheerful disposition exemplifies another dimension of extreme optimism. Her ability to consistently find the "good" in situations underscores an essential trait of extreme optimists: the relentless pursuit of positive aspects in every experience, which fuels an enduring spirit of hope and resilience.

Together, these examples embody the essence of extreme optimism—it's not just about expecting good outcomes; it's about actively seeing and pursuing potential in every situation, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation. When embraced by leaders and individuals alike, this mindset can significantly shape actions and influence outcomes, creating a ripple effect of positivity and progress.

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Putting "The case for Optimism on Climate Change", Al Gore said "We are solving this crisis. The only question is: how long will it take to get there? So, it matters that a lot of people are organizing to insist on this change. Almost 400,000 people marched in New York City before the UN special session on this. Many thousands, tens of thousands, marched in cities around the world.  And so, I am extremely optimistic. As I said before, we are going to win this."

"Then there are extremely optimistic people who accept that bad things occasionally happen to other people. They read about bad news with a detached sense of fascination, but view their own future as clear sailing and can’t imagine anything different," wrote Morgan Housel in "The Spectrum of Optimism and Pessimism"

"Of course there is much wrong and worry in our world, but there is also much right. There are solid reasons why we can feel extremely optimistic about our individual futures and most importantly the future of our world," wrote Peter Aceto in "Why you should feel optimism for your New Year."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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