Optimists Attract
I would classify myself as an optimist, but I’m finding that the older people get, the fewer optimists remain. And as the years flip by, I find I have to work on remaining optimistic.
I wonder if that’s because the older you get, the more you see life for what it really is. People let you down. Your striving doesn’t always result in progress. Past hurts catch up with you. You realize the world is more broken than you once thought.
The optimism of your 20s gives way to the realism of your 30s, which give way to…well, you know where this often goes. Cynicism can creep. Many cynics I know like to call themselves realists, but sometimes I think that’s just putting lipstick on a pig.
Here’s why I’m relentlessly committed to optimism. Cynics don’t attract people. But optimists do. As I lead through the next season of life, I want to have something to offer other than a blunt assessment of our limitations – not just to the church and community, but to my wife and kids (and one day grandkids).
The future is going to be built by optimists. They are dealers in hope. Cynics deal discouragement. And who wants more of that?
Think about it. How many older, grouchy, disgruntled people do you want to be around? (Take age out of it – being a round a disgruntled twenty something isn’t much fun either.) Cynics claim they’ve got an accurate vantage point on life, but can you really build a future on them?
Here are some things that are true about optimists:
Optimists get kicked but refuse to stay down.
Optimists believe the future can get better.
Optimists still believe in people.
Optimists believe in progress.
Optimists believe that God isn’t finished with them or with his creation.
Optimists believe that God is in control, and that his Kingdom will come.
In the end, optimists see life for what it is but decide to keep their heart fully engaged. And that’s what I love about optimists.
What do you find compelling about optimists? What are you doing to stay optimistic despite the hits you’ve taken?
Carey this is so true! Thanks for your honest observations on negativity. I can always do better in this area. Thanks!
I just find that the longer I live, the easier it is to be cynical. I just want to refuse to do that. Thanks for your leadership Mark.
Your comments reminded me of this quote:
“You may be sure that when a man begins to call himself a “realist”, he is preparing to do something he is secretly ashamed of doing.” – Sydney Harris
This article was very thought provoking!
That’s a great quote…and actually quite true. Thanks Robert!
Optimism is practical. That’s what I love about it. Bad things are going to happen, might as well have the best odds at beating them and spread hope, love, faith while you’re at it. And be surrounded by people too! (since its contagious).
Thanks for this Carey. I need to keep myself in check! At the end of the day we can choose how we react to the realities of life.
Thanks for the comment….I think it’s a life long struggle for most people. But definitely worth it!
I am, by nature, a pessimist at heart. While I can be optimistic in perspective, my default is almost always to see the negative. I do try to keep my views to myself at times because I recognize the fact, as you stated in your blog, people do not gravitate to the Eeyores of this world. However, I would counter to say that even Eeyore still has friends and that he serves an important purpose in this life just as much as, say, a Tigger.
For instance, I am encouraged by the example of Thomas. Jesus chose him to be one of the twelve disciples, yet he was negative in perspective. Despite his pessimism, Thomas stayed committed. Jesus never gave up on him either. Instead, Jesus challenged him and worked through him to show people like me (and other pessimists) that we are just as worthy of God’s love and that through God we can grow and change.