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In Praise of Pollyanna
by Victor Perton
“I know it sounds Pollyanna, I choose to spend my time on the projects that are really going to change things - the save-the-world ones.” (Lucia Cade)
“When I was a kid, my favourite movie was Pollyanna because she was the ultimate optimist. I wanted that Optimism, that dreaming of the possibilities.” (Anna Sui)
Optimism, the belief that good things will happen and things will work out in the end, is a desirable trait supporting healthy longevity, better relationships, great leadership, strategy, innovation, and the underpinning of resilience and perseverance.
However, many people distinguish between "realistic optimism" and "being a Pollyanna."
The former is seen as grounded in reality, considering potential obstacles and challenges, while the latter is often dismissed as naive and overly idealistic.
I was guilty of this thinking until a lady in one of our workshops said, “What’s wrong with being a Pollyanna?”
It was time to reconsider the virtues of Pollyanna optimism.
I reckon Pollyanna Optimism is a very useful way of looking at the world.
In our leaders of the water sector broadcast, Lucia Cade spoke of her choice to focus on projects that have the potential to change the world, referring to it as "Pollyanna optimism." She sees it as a driving force behind her pursuit of meaningful change.
Similarly, fashion designer Anna Sui attributes her childhood fascination with the movie character Pollyanna to the character's unwavering optimism and belief in the possibilities of life.
Commenting on our recent broadcast, An Hour of Optimism: Lawrence W. Reed at The Centre for Optimism, the CEO of Louis James LLC, Lobo Tiggre, wrote, "You know when someone is called Pollyanna, it's not a compliment. Optimism is seen as naive, if not stupid. But the original Pollyanna was a very clever little girl who did cry when hurt or disappointed. She was not naive or stupid. She also wasn't blindly optimistic, as her name used as an adjective has come to imply. The whole point of the story is that, precisely due to the tragedies of her childhood, she _chose_ to look for the bright side of everything. Her father taught her to make a game of this after her mother died... before he himself died. Pollyanna then teaches her game to most of the people in the new town she moves to, making difficult lives more bearable as she goes, eventually uplifting the entire community. This is what people like Larry Reed do for our entire world. And if someone should call me Pollyanna, I'd be glad for that too."
Pollyanna, a character from a book by Eleanor H. Porter, and later portrayed in several movies, is known for her relentless optimism despite facing challenges.
Pollyanna’s positive outlook on life and her unwavering belief in finding something to be glad about in every situation, even the direst ones, has made her an iconic symbol of optimism and resilience.
Pollyanna's ability to maintain a positive attitude, no matter how difficult the circumstances, is what makes her so admirable and has made her story beloved by readers and viewers alike.
Pollyanna played what she called the “Glad Game.”
No matter how sad or upsetting, Pollyanna tried to find at least one good thing in every situation. She’s so good at this game that she gets her whole town to play along, and she significantly impacts the people of her town.
The Glad Game
Pollyanna's "Glad Game" is a profound philosophy of life that revolves around her unwaveringly optimistic and positive attitude, which she inherited from her father.
The essence of the game lies in finding something to be glad about in every situation, no matter how challenging or bleak it may seem. The game's origins trace back to a heartwarming incident during Christmas when young Pollyanna, eagerly anticipating a doll from the missionary barrel, discovered a pair of crutches instead. It was in that moment that her father, quick-witted and wise, improvised the game and taught her to see the silver lining in things, encouraging her to be glad about the crutches because she did not need to use them. This simple yet profound lesson became the foundation of Pollyanna's approach to life, shaping her unwavering positivity and resilience in the face of adversity.
Tragic Optimism?
In some senses, it brings to mind Viktor Frankl's Tragic Optimism, “what matters is to make the best in any given situation. “The best” however, is that which in Latin is called optimum- hence the reason I speak of a tragic optimism that is an optimism in the face of tragedy and in view of the human potential..."
Stoic?
In "Pollyanna's Secret", Nicklas Berild Lundblad wrote, "The game that Pollyanna plays - where she chooses to focus on the positive aspects of life even when there are some negatives - is really nothing more than a reminder of the great insight of Stoicism: we do not choose what happens to us, but we choose how we react to it and if we will let it change us. Stoicism is an ideology that aims at individual freedom and self-determination, which is exactly what Pollyanna's optimism provides. And that was probably why the books were so popular amongst young women. The first book came out in 1913, and at that time, women and girls were defined by their surroundings and held back by the societies in which they lived. Pessimism tends to preserve such social systems, as it cannot admit that there are changes for the better. "
Gladwellian?
In How We All Became Pollyannas (and Why We Should Be Glad About It), Ruth Graham put it this way, "Her "glad game" goes beyond simple positive thinking. Pollyanna isn't always cheerful; she cries over disappointments large and small, and initially refuses to play the game when she suffers a major tragedy. It's not that she's naturally the world's greatest optimist; rather, optimism is a tool she uses to make herself happy. Her gladness is Gladwellian: It's not a state of mind, but rather a skill that becomes stronger with practice. As the freckled little guru herself put it, "When you're hunting for the glad things, you sort of forget the other kind."
Gratitude Practice
Pollyanna's "Glad Game" is reminiscent of contemporary gratitude practices which enhance optimism and well-being.
Just as Pollyanna sought out the silver lining in every situation, practising gratitude involves intentionally focusing on the positives in one's life, even amidst challenges. Both Pollyanna's "Glad Game" and gratitude are powerful tools for cultivating a positive mindset and promoting mental well-being.
In today's world, where bad news, negativity and crises can easily consume our thoughts, Pollyanna's "Glad Game" reminds us of gratitude's power, of optimism's power.
Just as Pollyanna's approach brought joy and positivity to her life and those around her, incorporating gratitude into our daily lives can also lead to a more optimistic and fulfilled outlook.
A Mindset that Seeks out Solutions and Possibilities
It is true that some may view Pollyanna optimism as simplistic or unrealistic, but it is also important to recognize the value it brings. Pollyanna optimism is not about burying one's head in the sand and ignoring challenges or obstacles. Instead, it is a mindset that actively seeks out solutions and possibilities, even in the face of adversity.
Kim Fenton, Organisational Culture Leader and Coach and self-proclaimed optimist, proudly embraces the label of Pollyanna. She shared her perspective with me, saying, "I've been called Pollyanna for many years, and I'm proud of it! 🤗💜"
Kim further explained the impact of optimism in her life through her husband Brett Fenton's journey as an entrepreneur. She believes that his unwavering optimism helped him navigate 26 years of owning a small business deeply rooted in the community through two Global Financial Crises and a pandemic. Despite his challenges, he incorporates daily meditation into his routine to cultivate calmness and focus. This practice enhances his clarity of thought and sparks the process of finding solutions. Kim joyfully added, "It is pretty awesome being married to a fellow Pollyanna."
Motivation: Pollyanna optimism can be a powerful tool for motivation and inspiration. A positive and optimistic outlook can fuel perseverance and determination to overcome obstacles when faced with daunting challenges or setbacks. It can help individuals maintain their resilience and find creative solutions to problems instead of succumbing to negativity or hopelessness.
Gratitude: Pollyanna's impact on her town, practising gratitude, can have a ripple effect on others. Pollyanna's unwavering positivity inspired those around her to adopt her "Glad Game," Similarly, expressing gratitude can influence others to see the good in their lives and spread positivity to those around them.
Contagious: Pollyanna optimism also has a contagious effect. Just as negativity and pessimism can spread and dampen spirits, so can optimism and positivity uplift and inspire others.
Hope and Possibility: Pollyanna optimism can foster a sense of hope and possibility, which are crucial for innovation and progress. When individuals believe in the potential for positive change, they are more likely to take risks, think creatively, and pursue bold ideas. Pollyanna optimism can drive innovation and social change, as it encourages individuals to dream big and strive for a better future.
Empowerment: "In our age of fashionable cynicism, Pollyanna reminds us that when coupled with resilience and thoughtfulness, optimism can be a powerful force for personal and collective empowerment. It can be reclaimed as such today if we take into account its historical roots and consider them seriously, wrote. Luella D’Amico "The “Glad Game” in the Twenty-First Century: Reclaiming Pollyanna’s Optimistic Legacy."
In conclusion, Pollyanna optimism, often underestimated by those lacking faith in human potential, should be praised for its virtues. It is not about denying challenges or being naive but rather a mindset that actively seeks solutions, inspires resilience, and fosters hope and possibility. This optimism can empower individuals to take action, persevere through difficulties, and positively impact the world. So, let us celebrate and embrace the optimism of Pollyanna as a driving force for change and progress.
After all, as Anna Sui stated, who wouldn't want optimism and dreams of possibilities?
As Professor Jee Hyun Kim told me, "Optimism is the evidence for the dreams yet to be realised.”
More Thoughts
Kim Fenton, Organisational Culture Leader and Coach and Optimist, wrote, "I've been called Pollyanna for many years, and I'm proud of it 🤗 💜"
Kim told me, "My husband Brett Fenton is an entrepreneur, and I fully believe his optimism got him through two GFCs and a pandemic. 26 years owning a small business, that is embedded in our community, is a huge achievement 👏 Despite the challenges he faces, he meditates every day to stay calm and focused. It helps him think clearer and kick-starts the thought process into solution mode. It is pretty awesome being married to a fellow Pollyanna."
Bernadette Cheeseman wrote to me, "I'm glad you drew the parallel between Pollyanna and Victor Frankl, as it was the first thing I thought of when I started reading."
In "Guilty as Charged", Fox News's Neil Cavuto said, "I am a Pollyanna. I am an optimist. I am upbeat. Upbeat about this country. Upbeat about our markets. Upbeat about our economy. But most of all, upbeat about us."
"And he proudly confessed: "I am a Pollyanna. We are in the most exciting period in the human race." (Sidney Blumenthal on George Gilder in "The Policy Pugilists")
"I am a Pollyanna and have long held the belief that people go into education not merely to have a career but because they want to make a difference in the world, and they want to share the magic of learning with their students. They enter the profession with passion and commitment. I see my role to remind them of that passion, inspire them, and make them understand that their dream is still a real possibility and that I share it," wrote NYS Department of Education's Anita Skop in "Seven Leadership Ideals to Pursue."
In "Calling me Pollyanna: An insult or endorsement?", playwright Carole Vasta Folley wrote, "So call me Pollyanna. Wait! Even better, as I’m likely her long-distance cousin, call me Pollycarole. From now forward, I will choose to see it as only the finest of compliments."
"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."
"I’ll admit, I am a Pollyanna," wrote Debbie Gisonni in "How to Turn Wishful Thinking Into Positive Results."
"I do not see the purpose in staying in the zone of despair. There is no joy there. Maybe I am a Pollyanna; perhaps that is my role in life. I prefer to create my day filled with light and uplifting thoughts, music, readings and gardening. These help me to be centered and healthy," wrote Cheryl Floyd in Healthy Living for the Soul.
"I am a Pollyanna at heart and love peace and lack of contention and for everyone and everything in my wake to be in harmony, but most of my life has been just the opposite--and every woman's life is filled with disharmony-fusses, messes, bills, discontent, meanness, injustice," Sally Clarkson in "Can I leap over this Wall?"
"I am a Pollyanna girl who is optimistic about things! My main motive is to help people who is going through difficult times!" wrote psychologist Dolshivita Pathak.
"I am often reminded that I am a Pollyanna by those who have made hate, isolation and the “me only” attitude an art form. Yet, if we are truthful with our own hearts we know for sure, “a house divided cannot stand. That is true for families, workplaces, communities, nations. Being back to happy means getting back to the work of having conversations that can help us rebuild our homes, our communities, our nation. For sure that does not mean we have to agree. Quite frankly we need to have those dissenting opinions so that we never get so far on the wrong side of anything. We must stay grounded to stay happy. So, open your heart and head to happiness." (Yolanda Webb in "Back to Happy")
"I am a Pollyanna. If there is a bright side, I will shine my cell phone camera on it. If there is a rainstorm, I will wait for the rainbow. If there is glass, I will fill it with Pinot Grigio until you see how full it actually was the entire time. La, la, la, la. Happy, happy, joy, joy, joy. Believe it or not, that’s me." (Amelia Robinson in "Time will tell if Gianna Floyd has it right about her dad’s impact")
"In terms of what opportunities there are at the moment for Queensland in the innovation and entrepreneurial space, I am a Pollyanna. People will tell you that I very much come at the world with a glass-half-full attitude. But I think it is really exciting." (Julia Spicer OAM in "Julia Spicer OAM On Recognising The Positive Impact Of Regional Social Enterprises")
“I am a Pollyanna” was her mantra; gracefully is how she endured; Kindness is her legacy." (Eulogy for Joanie Drage)
"Personally, I am a Pollyanna kind of girl. I tend to trust everyone until I have a reason not to. I believe in transparency, which builds trust, open communication, integrity and honesty." (Diana Saucier in "Crashed and Burned"
In "Pollyanna", Pastor Darrell Dunlap wrote, "I sit here thinking I too want to be a Pollyanna. I want the world to be rose-colored. I’m so tired of people being mean to each other. I’m tired of locking my car doors and worrying about where my son is and who is influencing him. I’m tired of the constant disrespect for each other. I’m tired of the hate, the presumptions, and the categories. I’m exhausted listening to people who disagree decide to dislike each other because they disagree about some political topic, which in the long run, is irrelevant anyway. I’m tired of white, Hispanic, African, Asian Americans…I want to be American – together, Americans. I’m tired of red, blue and purple states. I’m tired of people using the Bible to condemn others and yet living in sin themselves. I’m tired of the hate, condemnation, judgment, and walking on eggshells. I’m tired of worrying about every action I take and every word I say that, somehow someway it will be offensive to someone else. I’m tired of worrying about someone trying to give our kids drugs or alcohol. I’m tired of the filthy SPAM emails that I come across loaded with pornography that no one asked for or wanted. I’m tired of people saying they love me and stabbing me in the back the next day. I’m tired of trying to decipher lies and spun and manipulated words. I want to be able to trust what people say. I want to live with trustworthy people who love each other enough to refrain from lying to and deceiving each other. Yes, I’m a child of the living God, and I am a Pollyanna. I don’t apologize for it."
"Here I am, a Pollyanna, trying to change the world," said Banu Valladares in 5 Questions.
Wijdan Jreisat said, "At heart, I am a Pollyanna. I will bang my head against a wall far longer than most and then stop only until a headache subsides. Even as I have learned to be more cynical, at my core, I still hope for and expect the best from people. So, when obstacles occur, my inclination is to push ahead because I assume that, in the end, what is right will come through. That has occasionally led to some heartbreak and disappointment. Still, I firmly believe that I would rather expect the best and be disappointed than expect the worst of all people." (YWCA Career Women of Achievement talk about perseverance)
Tom Still, president of the Wisconsin Technology Council, wrote, "If you’re looking for an oasis of optimism to balance what you’re hearing from most economists, talk to an entrepreneur. One survey after another has shown entrepreneurs to be relentlessly optimistic, even Pollyannish, about their chances of success." (What, me worry? Learning optimism ‘zen’ from entrepreneurs in Milwaukee)
In "Pollyanna's Secret", Nicklas Berild Lundblad wrote, "Optimism pays off, and gives back, the same cannot be said about pessimism. A well-founded optimism invested in a group of people is a kind of insurance. When someone in the group is experiencing a dark time, there is a safety net of people who can help and restore faith. A kind of immune system that is strengthened by every person who joins it. The game that Pollyanna plays - where she chooses to focus on the positive aspects of life even when there are some negatives - is really nothing more than a reminder of the great insight of Stoicism: we do not choose what happens to us, but we choose how we react to it and if we will let it change us. Stoicism is an ideology that aims at individual freedom and self-determination, which is exactly what Pollyanna's optimism provides. And that was probably why the books were so popular amongst young women. The first book came out in 1913, and at that time, women and girls were defined by their surroundings and held back by the societies in which they lived. Pessimism tends to preserve such social systems, as it cannot admit that there are changes for the better. It gets stuck in a pattern that must become increasingly hopeless and dissolves bonds between individuals. Optimism connects and invests not only in the individual but in community and change."
Kay Clancy told me, "Throughout my life my family have said “life must be nice on your planet” because I always look for the positive in things. Underpinning narratives I have are to believe in “good intention” and “there’s always a way”. As I have matured I have also learned to look for the “learning” in events or outcomes that are not what I had hoped for. When the three come together it presents as optimism or “pooping rainbows“ as my son says. And, it’s contagious!"
In "The “Glad Game” in the Twenty-First Century: Reclaiming Pollyanna’s Optimistic Legacy," Luella D’Amico wrote, "In our age of fashionable cynicism, Pollyanna reminds us that when coupled with resilience and thoughtfulness, optimism can be a powerful force for personal and collective empowerment. It can be reclaimed as such today if we take into account its historical roots and consider them seriously."
Jeff Kerr-Bell wrote, "I love the idea of reclaiming the meaning of ‘Pollyanna". Like many things in our short attention span world, this soundbite has become synonymous with delusional positivity. Bringing the meaning back to ‘action-oriented optimism" is a worthy ambition.
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