By Victor Perton, the Author of "Optimism: The How and Why?"

Optimism is a creed for the brave; indeed, optimism is brave.

As I set out to write my book, "Optimism: The How and Why", I interviewed several hundred people, asking them, "What makes you optimistic?"

Bravery came up in the shared thoughts of several people I admire.

Akaash Maharaj, then CEO of the Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption, told me, "Optimism is a creed for the brave. Pessimists' and cynics' certainty that nothing can be done gives them a ready excuse to do nothing and to risk nothing. By contrast, the optimist knows that better is always possible."

Optimism is not just about hoping for the best but shaping reality and creating opportunity. Craig Ondarchie, then an MLC in the Victorian Parliament, said to me, "Optimism is brave. I think optimists probably have more disappointment than other people, but they get the opportunity to create opportunity. They get the opportunity to create happiness."

Optimism is a radical choice that requires courage and vulnerability, especially in the face of despair. As the filmmaker, Guillermo del Toro notes, "Optimism is radical. It is the hard choice, the brave choice. And it is, it seems to me, most needed now, in the face of despair."

Optimism is about believing that the future can be better than the present and acting towards that belief. Marian Salema observes, "What makes me optimistic is seeing people coming together and collaborating to solve the world's most pressing problems. Optimism is radical. It is the hard choice, the brave choice."

Optimistic leadership is about being brave, kind, and courageous, even in the face of adversity. As Sonia McDonald, Leadership Author, says, "Optimistic leadership is about being brave, kind and courageous as a leader. To be optimistic means knowing that we can overcome anything. The power of being focused on being true and kind to oneself and others is leadership."

Optimism in the workplace can foster a willingness to try new ideas and create a braver, more innovative environment. Karen Grima, Senior Regional Development Officer at the Mid West Development Commission, shared her wisdom "I think optimism and being an optimistic leader (or being led by one) makes for a braver workplace and creates a willingness to try out new ideas."

In conclusion, optimism is not just a mindset; it is a choice. It is about having the courage to hope for the better and the bravery to create it. As Andrew Dalgleish, then President of the Victorian Principals Association, said, "Optimism is the courage and the vulnerability to continue to focus on the needs of our students, staff, and community to ensure we are doing all we possibly can to deliver impactful continuity of academic, physical, social, and emotional growth for all." 

Let us all embrace the power of optimism and bravely and courageously shape a better future.