Optimism is Hard Work

I’m a generally positive person. I try not to let myself get dragged down for too long and try not to drag others down with me. I am almost always happy when others succeed. I think things will work out.

But sometimes I catch myself. I think things might work out. I want them to. I know they CAN. But I don’t actually believe it, deep down in my heart.

Whenever I notice this, I realize that I actually can be quite negative, though with a day-to-day sunniness and grit despite what I truly believe to be the “Truth” about my world. Deep down, sometimes I believe that certain things won’t work out, or I’d be surprised if they did.

Take anything that means something to you. Being happy at work. Finding a life partner. Making money. Achieving fame. Being an excellent friend. Solving childhood hunger. Whatever it is that drives you, that you desire — think about it and ask yourself, Do I truly believe that this can and will happen?

What kind of world do you live in? One where things will work out in your favor or one where things are likely to suck or be at best mediocre? Do you believe in the possibility of great and amazing things?

I realized that when we believe that things probably don’t work out, we tend to go about life half-assing it. We apply to jobs out of our reach and don’t follow up, because we probably won’t get it anyway, though we hope for the best. We don’t make the effort to meet new people, because there’s probably nobody interesting to meet. We lie in bed instead of submitting work or going to an audition. We don’t try, because... well… what’s the point?

Or sometimes it’s even more nuanced than that. We go 95% of the way, only to hold back. We are diligent, work around the clock, but allow ourselves to spin our wheels instead of take risks that we know can pay off. We hang onto the one saving grace of a ho-hum situation, because there probably isn’t anything better. We don’t bother asking for help.

Sometimes these thoughts lurk deep down. Especially in sunny or persistent, Type A personalities where it goes most unnoticed.

But there’s a reason that we tend to feel this way. Optimism is hard. Optimism requires work. Optimism demands bravery.

When we truly believe that things are possible, that we CAN have what we truly want, that means that we have no choice but to do the work to get there. When we know that we have the capability, trust that sometimes the stars do align, and believe that we deserve what we desire, it is then that we must take a breath, dig in, and go for it. We are forced to send out job applications, ask people to invest in our business, network, tell people what we want, put ourselves out there, and follow up, because there is no excuse not to.

Real optimism is not sarcastic, jaded, or worldly. It doesn’t hide behind phrases like “I’m just being realistic.” It is genuine and sincere.

So, when we find ourselves doing things that we know are partly for show. When we are stuck in a place that we’re not completely satisfied with. In those moments when it seems impossible to have what we wish for, consider whether we are telling ourselves “No.” Assess whether our faith has failed us. Think about the possibility of “Yes.” And then believe in that chance.

Don’t be lazy. Don’t be overcome by fear. Believe in what you want and do the work.