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This morning, I found an article about Famous Amos in my clippings. It featured a quote from his son, who described him as having "this audacious joy. He was just stubbornly optimistic. I think that's what attracted so many people to him. He was just this eternal optimist and really believed in the power of fun and the power of joy along with the power of hard work."
Stubborn optimism is a powerful force that transcends mere positivity; it is a relentless belief in the possibility of a better future, even in the face of adversity. This optimism is the cornerstone of several successful individuals and movements.
Similarly, writing about the Earthshot Prize, Prince William declared himself "a stubborn optimist," emphasising his faith in human ingenuity to solve the world's most pressing problems.
This form of optimism is not about ignoring reality but about harnessing hope as a driving force for change. It's a mindset that encourages perseverance and innovation, even when the odds seem insurmountable.
Jacqueline Novogratz, founder and CEO of Acumen, also embodies stubborn optimism. She speaks of a "hard-edged hope" that persists despite the darkness of the world's challenges. Her work with some of the world's poorest communities has shown that optimism can thrive in even the harshest conditions, like flowers breaking through granite. This type of optimism is a choice—a deliberate decision to focus on creating a better narrative and working tirelessly to make it a reality.
In her advocacy for action on the climate crisis, Christiana Figueres makes a compelling case for the necessity of stubborn optimism. She argues that it is not the result of success but the necessary input for addressing any challenge if we want a chance of success. Stubborn optimism is not blind to reality. It is aware of the hard facts. Instead, it is a choice: a deliberate mindset that remains crucial in the darkest times, serving as "a candle we hold up in the darkness."
This stubborn optimism is not naïve; it is essential for pushing through challenges and finding solutions.
Veterinarian Laura Woodward echoes this sentiment, writing, "Stubborn optimism is a conscious decision to have an optimistic mindset to make a change." While often associated with sustainability and the current climate crisis, stubborn optimism also beautifully describes how we, as tiny individuals in a massive world, can effect change through our behaviour.
How do we foster stubborn optimism? How do we make it more infectious? It begins with cultivating a mindset that sees challenges as opportunities for growth. Surrounding ourselves with optimistic people, asking the right questions, and celebrating small victories can help solidify this mindset. Leaders can play a crucial role by modelling stubborn optimism, encouraging others to adopt the same attitude, and creating environments where this optimism can thrive. By sharing stories of resilience and progress, we can inspire others to adopt a similarly stubborn approach to optimism.
In essence, stubborn optimism is a resilient mindset that combines hope and action. It's about believing in the potential for positive change, even when circumstances are dire. This infectious optimism inspires others to join the cause and work towards a brighter future. By holding onto stubborn optimism, you can navigate challenges, innovate solutions, and ultimately create a better world.
Are you a stubborn optimist? If yes, how does it manifest in your life and work? If not, what's your optimism superpower?
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