The COVID-19 pandemic is one of the world’s greatest equalizers. Around the world, people have suffered anxiety and fear when confronted with unfortunate circumstances that have exhausted their own mental and emotional capacities. In the face of such adversities, we learn to craft the skill of optimism.
Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, in his Theodicy, closely embraces the concept of optimism as he argues the tendency to believe that we are living in “the best of all possible worlds.” However, crafting the skill of optimism does not just force a person to feel hopeful and confident. Still, it challenges him to cultivate patience in relationships, determination in meeting his goals, and courage to take on risks and leadership opportunities.
Crafting Optimism in Relationships
Healthy relationships demand optimism in the face of difficulties. When called to be optimistic in relationships, we are urged to practice patience and understanding that create a peaceful and supportive space for the other person.
In instances where a family member was feeling down and discouraged because of rejection in his career, optimism encourages us to gracefully accept the situation and provide support without the need to demonstrate impatience and anger no matter how tough it can get.
Crafting Optimism to Achieve Personal Goals
The endless count of responsibilities and obligations in the different areas of our lives knows no boundary, so arriving at an elevated sense of optimism requires us to be determined to achieve our personal goals despite delays.
In situations where we feel stagnant in the progress of our personal and professional lives, we feel distressed and frustrated. We become easily irritated by the circumstances that are out of our control which is why determination is valuable to those who strive to be optimistic.
The ability to meet rough situations cleverly and proceed with firmness in purpose teaches a person to remain flexible and adaptive to circumstances unanticipated. This is how we craft optimism as we pursue the goals we have set for ourselves.
Crafting Optimism to Take on Risks
To elevate in different aspects of our life, we must be well acquainted with taking on challenges and added uncertainty. In one study done by Dohmen, Quercia, and Willrodt (2019), their results have shown that optimists tend to take more risks because they are focused more on good outcomes.
When you are committed to leveling up in your profession or expanding your business and influence, crafting optimism dares you to delight in immense possibilities outside of you instead of shying away from experiences that offer personal development and professional growth avenues. Optimism does not suggest you idle around waiting for your next breakthrough opportunity, but it calls you to be courageous in confronting doubt and indecision.
Crafting Optimism in Leadership
Optimism drives leadership. Leaders are outlined by their optimism because, in the event of failure, they direct the situation positively to rekindle the purpose and passion that drive towards a more prosperous future.
In our homes, work environments, social organizations, and even personal obligations, we take on leadership roles that allow us to craft optimism that nurtures, inspires, and motivates the people around us.
Crafting optimism builds the courage and confidence to fearlessly address adversities and recognize differences as relevant in undertaking leadership roles.
We are led to believe that optimism is simply being hopeful and self-assured of our future, but the truth encompasses beyond that. Optimism is an everyday challenge to bring about progress in our lives through the decision to cultivate patience in our relationships, to be determined in pursuing our goals, and to be courageous enough to take on risks and leadership roles in the various aspects of our life.
