The Case for Pragmatic Optimism
Perspective Changes Everything
Did you know that optimists tend to live longer, are happier, healthier, and perform better? Why is that?
For much of my life, I’ve identified as an optimist. When I meditate on my life journey, that identity may seem counter-intuitive, given some of the challenges I’ve faced. Recalling abuse, bullying, health crises, divorce, homelessness, heart break, or financial ruin; I could look back and tell the story of a painful, traumatic, life full of struggle and misery.
Yet, today, I see my life not as a series of unfortunate events but as a tapestry of invaluable lessons. These adversities were the fires that forged my spirit, infusing it with strength, resilience, empathy, and wisdom. They served as a crucible; paving the way for a life bestowed with abundance, joy, and blessings, including the gifts of family, love, children, career, and personal fulfillment.
The difference between the stories is simple yet sublime: Perspective. There are many ways to view situations in life: good or bad, meaningful or meaningless, destructive or constructive. But these labels stem not from the circumstances of our life, which are neutral, but from our interpretations of them. The stories we craft, the meanings we assign, these narratives define the trajectory of our lives.
Our minds have the power to create either a paradise or a prison on earth. We have a choice. The ultimate question is:
What story do you wish to write for yourself?
Beyond Surface Optimism
Seeing the best in others, feeling hope for the future, discerning beauty and purpose in the gloomiest of situations, and cultivating gratitude for life's multifaceted experiences - these are the hallmarks of an optimist.
But it’s essential to distinguish between pragmatic optimism and naive idealism.
Pure optimism, without being anchored in reality, risks becoming a mirage. While our beliefs shape our world, the laws of nature and societal norms still set important boundaries and limitations. Dreaming becomes manifestation only when paired with rational action and hard work.
Furthermore, relentless positivity can be overwhelming for some. If they're unprepared to entertain a fresh perspective, they might misconstrue optimism as a form of judgment.
In the extreme, toxic positivity can actually lead to destructive outcomes. Creating a veneer of cheerfulness cannot be an excuse to ignore genuine problems, suppress needs, or feel guilt about experiencing valid emotions.
As in all things, we must find the balance.
Restoring Balance With Pragmatism
Recognizing and addressing adversity is essential. The world has its share of tragedies, dangers, and risks. We cannot be rid of this, and I don’t think that’s the point.
Balance is the universe’s rhythm. These events exist, in part, to bestow wisdom upon us. Finding acceptance of the darkness lets us see past the pain. Becoming aware of its contrast sheds light on a new path forward.
In times of chaos, I tend to ask myself these questions to guide me:
How can I acknowledge what has transpired with understanding and compassion rather than anger and judgement?
How can I let adversity teach me to manage risks effectively?
How do I transform destruction and death into creation and new life?
How do I convert thoughts and emotion into action and meaningful change?
The Asymmetrical Advantage
I believe that optimism creates one of the most powerful advantages in life.
I recall countless volleyball matches where I’ve shifted seemingly imminent defeat into glorious victory. Every time, it was steadfast optimism that turned the tide. I would grind away knowing that winning was still possible. With each point won, I shed the fear of losing, gained confidence, and eroded my opponents’ resolve.
An optimist’s positive mindset often fuels their determination to achieve goals and navigate obstacles. This perspective breeds possibility. If you’re convinced a goal is unreachable, you reduce its likelihood to materialize. Conversely, simply believing in its feasibility can unlock myriad potential pathways.
Consistently focusing on favorable outcomes enhances their likelihood. It fosters creativity, encouraging the birth of fresh ideas and opportunities. Optimism can spur us into taking bold steps, sometimes even heroic leaps. This mindset influences our everyday choices, which, over time, lead to monumental changes.
Consider the principle of compounding effects. The most significant paybacks in life — be it with finances, health, business, or relationships — often result from the magic of compound interest.
Do you want your daily compounding decisions to be based off an optimistic or pessimistic viewpoint?
Putting Optimism Into Practice
Being an optimist or pessimist is not a static identity we are born with and destined to stay as forever. We are a result of our ever-evolving choices and our daily actions. You have the power to steer your dispositions to your advantage, here are a few of my practices:
Embrace Mindfulness - At its core, mindfulness is about being fully present in the moment. This heightened state of awareness can lead to a more profound experience of reality. It is in meditation where you can catch yourself writing stories about your life.
Practice Gratitude - The act of conscious gratitude completely rewires your brain and nervous system to default to optimism, producing incredible results.
Use Framing Exercises - Practice seeing situations from diverse viewpoints. Challenge yourself to formulate counter-narratives. Engage in the 'steel man' exercise, where you present the best form of an opposing argument, as opposed to the 'straw man' which oversimplifies it.
Embracing pragmatic optimism is more than just wishful thinking; it's a proactive approach to life, bolstered by scientific evidence and tangible benefits. You can make the choice today to see the world through a lens of possibility.
What I’m Doing This Week
Gratitude
I’m grateful for the vast amount of knowledge and wisdom freely available to us.
Lesson Learned
No matter how far you think you’ve grown, there’s always more to learn. Don’t worry so much about the end result. Give yourself grace in the messiness and celebrate incremental progress. One day, you’ll look back and be pleasantly surprised by the results.
Listening to
Symphony No. 7 in A Major by Ludwig van Beethoven
Watching
Reading
A New Law of Physics Could Support the Idea We're Living In a Simulation
Self-care
Meditation, volleyball, ocean, nature, fascia work, cupping, hot baths, sunlight, gardening