Letters live.
Optimistic vs Pessimists
Which category do you fall into?
To begin with, I am absolutely an optimist.
In an Organisational Leadership class, we discuss which of the above characteristic will be more likely to become a good leader. People argue that optimists tend to be bolder and have a "devil may care" attitude, but pessimists consider things thoroughly and are more risk averse. In the end, we conclude that there is no right or wrong answer in this case. Both optimists and pessimists can be good leaders.
Wait a minute.
It did not answer the question, did it?
The question of which characteristic is more likely to become a good leader? Here, I am giving my answer: OPTIMISTIC, 100%.
Statista (2013) reported that 50% of the population in the U.S. considered themselves as optimistic, 43% thought they were somewhere in between the two categories. On the other hand, only 4% of the people described themselves as pessimistic, the remaining 3% refused to answer or didn't know. So there is a grey area where people might sway between optimist and pessimist. And I believe, whether optimistic or pessimistic, they are more of a mindset than attitudes or characters. Because of mindsets and choices. People can choose to become an optimist or a pessimist in different stages of their lives.
One of the most important reasons for becoming an advocate for optimism is that it simply makes people happy, focusing on things they want to do rather than things they don't. This mindset helps optimists pursue the life they want to live in and the goal they set for their personal life and career. They are driven by the force of finding a way to reach their target. Never looking back, so they are always moving forward. For the things that may achieve, shall be achieved. What may happen, it will happen.
What you feel is greater than what you see 丨Piha 丨Kun Lu
You may ask:" Well, how about the risks? Is that okay for an optimist to always take bold actions without considering the outcome?"
My answer is also straightforward: risk management is a skill. All types of management are techniques that can be learned and mastered. And being an optimist does not mean being reckless. The critical concept is to embed our minds with the idea that we can progress toward our goal, and there is always a way to reach it.
By contrast, pessimists put too much energy into things that would make their lives worse. And 9 out of 10, the worries they are afraid of will eventually get them. What may happen, it will happen. This statement is also valid for pessimism.
For instance, I have heard a protest against lockdown in Auckland with over 5,000 people participating. It will only make the virus more active, which will lead to an increase in the number of new cases. And the lockdown probably will be longer than expected. So if you are anti-lockdown, why don't you try to advocate the opposite of lockdown? Say, trying to support easing the restriction, and you can do this by getting yourself and people around you vaccinated.
It is a straightforward example, but it makes the point. Mindset determines behaviours. If you have been feeling pessimistic recently, try to redirect your attention to things you want to do or the person you want to be. If you have a mentor, thinking what would your mentor do?
Being an optimist feels excellent. It would be best if you tried it.
Kun
Book to read: "A Compass to Fulfilment" ------ Kazuo Inamori