The Importance of Optimism

Episode Summary

Why Is It Important to Have Optimism?

• Pessimism is easy. Having hope requires work.
• Leaders live in a preferred future. If those you lead do not see your hope, they will struggle to have motivation to be on your team.
• Leaders who are optimistic are far more conformable with measured risk and creativity.
• When the future is uncertain, looking at the present reality with an optimistic lens will make you more able to add value.

Three To Keep in Mind Regarding Optimism

Optimism is a reasonable choice.

• Optimism is not just good business. It is biblical and reasonable. Scripture tells us often that God is sovereign, Jesus is coming back, and the future is secure and bright (2 Cor. 4:17-18; Romans 8:18; Revelation 22:12; Revelation 21:4).
• Jesus promises to be with us (Matthew 28:18-20).

Optimism grows as we trust God.

• Our optimism flows from learning to trust God. As we trust him more, the less we are tempted to forget that he is with us (Romans 15:13).
• Optimism needs to extend into our public lives. Optimism should also apply to our understanding of culture, politics, sports, etc.
• As believers, we know how the story ends. This should inspire a steadfastness and optimism in us.

Optimism overflows, but the key is to share and not to sell.

• When water overflows, it can either refresh those around you, or result in flooding. When we calmly and assuredly share our optimism, others are far more likely to benefit. However, when we are selling others on why they should be optimistic, others will often react with skepticism.
• We should be able to plainly and confidently state why the truth for we can be optimistic in spite of our circumstance (1 Peter 3:15). Do not disconnect from reality or ignore real hurt.