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I was joyful as I listened to Shyam Barr and James Samana discuss my advice on living an optimistic life in their podcast, “Leading Through The Lens of Learning.”
Dr Shyam Barr told James Samana, "I remember having a conversation with Victor Perton from Melbourne. He runs The Centre for Optimism."
Shyam told James, "I was at the university here, and I was having a moment of extreme frustration because there are a lot of hurdles sometimes you have to jump through in universities to bring about any form of change. And that was quite frustrating for me with my entrepreneurial kind of thinking. And I posted on Twitter, how do you maintain or even increase your optimism when everything around you seems to dull that optimism? He called me that afternoon and gave me some really simple strategies. And one of the strategies that I absolutely loved was a simple self-question that I use in my journaling, which is "what is the best thing that has happened today?" So, at the end of my workday, just thinking about "what is the best thing that has happened today?" And, of course, you can extend that using a gratitude practice and thinking about three things you're grateful for from work to shift that mind. But the other thing he mentioned was actually connecting with other optimistic thinkers at work, and whether it's a building in a regular coffee catch-up or a network meeting or a walk to whatever, a walking meeting of some sort, but just making an intentional connection with those optimistic thinkers would help sustain that optimism. And it's such a simple idea. It just takes a little bit of action."
What's been the best thing in your day?
Do you, like Shyam, choose the company of optimists?
Using the Question: "What's Been the Best Thing in Your Day?"
How to Raise the Optimism Around You? Two Simple Ways:
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Self-Reflection and Journaling: As Shyam Barr suggests, ask yourself a simple yet powerful question at the end of your workday: "What is the best thing that has happened today?" This practice helps you reflect on positive moments and can be extended into a gratitude practice. By considering three things you’re grateful for at work, you can gradually shift your mindset towards a more optimistic outlook.
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Transforming Greetings: Instead of the typical “How are you?” that often receives a non-committal “Not bad,” consider asking, "What’s been the best thing in your day so far?" This question can elicit a story of optimism and hope, making your interactions more meaningful.
In many cultures, the default greeting of “How are you?” has become so routine that it’s often answered with a dismissive “Not too bad.” It’s a wasted question with a wasted answer. Instead, think about how you greet people and what responses you typically receive.
By asking, “What’s been the best thing in your day so far?” you will likely spark a more engaging and positive conversation. The first time you ask, people might be taken aback. They may even need you to repeat the question. Based on our surveys and experiments, about 80% of people respond with something positive.
Some may initially say, “Nothing,” and that response often opens the door to showing empathy, asking, “What’s wrong?” and potentially making a difference in their lives.
This approach has been tried successfully in various settings—workplaces, prisons, and schools. A radio announcer told me he uses it always based on my advice. A business executive visiting a challenging client reported that the question worked wonders, with the client's CFO even saying, “That’s a great question.”
I walked into the reception area of Deakin University. The receptionist asked, 'How are you?' I replied, 'Thank you for asking; I'm exceptionally well. What’s been the best thing in your day?' Several of her colleagues looked up with smiles and surprise, and we had an engaging conversation about the value of optimism.
Feel free to adapt the question to your context. For example, on a Friday, you might ask, “What’s been the best thing in your week?” or on a Monday, “G’day, what was the best thing about your weekend?”
Experiment: The next time you greet someone, replace “How are you?” with “What’s been the best thing in your day?”
If it works well, try it for a week. You might find that people begin to associate you with positive, vibrant greetings, enhancing their mood and yours.
Surround yourself with Optimists
Shyam said, "Another thing Victor mentioned was the importance of connecting with other optimistic thinkers at work. Whether it's a regular coffee catch-up, a network meeting, or a walking meeting, making intentional connections with those who are optimistic helps sustain that optimism. It's such a simple idea; it just requires a little bit of action."
Optimism, like pessimism, is infectious. Make it a priority to maximise your time with optimistic people.
Generally, optimists attract other optimists. Choose your company wisely, surrounding yourself with those who fill your glass with optimism and joy.
Gathering with optimists can create a virtuous circle in which you seek out optimistic companions, and they, in turn, seek your company.
Optimistic and positive people, along with their conversations, will boost your own optimism and joy.
Being around such people can significantly improve your mental health and well-being, reducing stress and anxiety while promoting happiness and contentment.
Pessimistic people can drain your energy. Sometimes, you need to spend time with them—whether they're family, old friends, or colleagues. Please do what you must, and then make it a point to spend the rest of your time with optimistic people.
Lead conversations with positive questions.
Prepare for gatherings by recalling positive stories you've heard or read recently.
When I asked Professor Bill George of Harvard Business School what makes him optimistic, he said, "I am optimistic because I believe in the inherent goodness of people, and I am surrounded by positive, optimistic people. What a blessing!"
Paul Wheelton AM KSG shared, "My success in business has come about by only associating with positive people. Avoid the glass-half-empty people—they drain your energy and stifle your imagination. Decide each morning to be the glass-half-full person, and before long, you'll be hardwired for success."
Gordon Tredgold said, "Surround yourself with positive people, and their optimism will give you the strength to try new things."
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, emphasised, "It's so important to surround yourself with people who are grounded and really optimistic."
Final Suggestion: "Write a list of the optimists you want to spend more time with and watch how your energy and outlook thrive."
And as James said to me, "Victor, your work has ripples beyond what you know."
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