How to Be an Optimist (Without Being an Idiot)

It’s easy to mock an optimist, isn’t it? Those who hope for the best are scorned as “Pollyannas.” Bart Simpson mocks Lisa’s idealism. Lou Grant mocked Mary Richards in the newsroom. Voltaire enjoys many a knowing smile at the expense of his Candide.

Yet optimism is one of the key strategies for overcoming fear, anxiety, frustration and skepticism in order to make a small business thrive, argue Clate Mask and Scott Martineau in their new book, Conquer the Chaos: How to Grow a Successful Small Business (Wiley, 2010)…

Ann Handley has written a superb review if Mask & Martineau’s new book. Within the review she also highlights some of her favourite points and outlines how to be a ‘disciplined optimist’ by:

1. Face the problem (and quickly).
2. Rewind.
3. Rewire your brain.
4. Don’t take yourself too seriously.
5. Read customer testimonials.
6. Give a compliment.
7. Fake it ‘til you make it.
8. Be grateful.
   

Check out the entire review here, where you can also read how Ann has fully defined the above points. It’s well worth it.

Is your glass half full or half empty, how do you face your day? Let us know in the comment box below.