The Difference between Optimism and Pollyannaism?
Desperate hopefulness or calm buoyancy? Confident belief or trembling wishfulness?
Why do some go courageously forward, convinced of their imminent success, while others cower and whimper, looking for any excuse to retreat to their old ways? What makes some see the future as dark and threatening, while others eagerly set sail for new lands, expecting only the best outcomes?
I was once accused of being Pollyannaish by one of the most pessimistic losers I have known. At first, I felt insulted, but then I realized that he wasn’t being nasty at all; his perspective was so negative and fearful that he honestly believe that my optimism was delusional. What was the difference? Simple, really. He was basing his expectations on his past failures. I based my expectations on my past successes. Now you may be asking, “Fine. What if everything I ever tried failed? How can I then get excited about new opportunities?” I have a simple answer for you: Hitch your wagon to a star.
If you’re shaking in your boots but you know the pain of going ahead is less than the pain of your present circumstances, if you realize that your situation is going from bad to worse and you HAVE to make changes, find a winner who is going in the same direction and team up with him. Borrow his courage, learn from his demeanor, model his attitude, lean on his strength. Take his advice, even when you’re terrified. Work harder than ever before – it’s hard to be scared while you’re working hard – and contribute your part. Winners like helping others who do their best.
Small successes will build your faith and strengthen your self-esteem. Self discipline will do wonders for your optimism. Follow the directions of successful people and read their writings, and you will slowly start to become like them. BE, DO, HAVE. If you think like a winner you will become like a winner, then you will do what winners do, and finally have what winners have. Act in spite of your fear. Face your demons. Depend on your mentor. The most important part of the journey to success is the first step. Choose a good guide and take it one step at a time. Before you know it, you will be running and skipping joyfully and fearlessly towards your goals.
Robin J. Elliott www.DollarMakers.com
No comments
