The Power of Positive Thinking — Being Optimistic in Challenging Times

“We are all in the gutter but some of us are looking at the stars.” — Oscar Wilde

Ever wonder why some people immediately see the bright side of just about any situation and seem to make friends wherever they go? I know I do. You see, I was a pessimistic realist most of my life, which I mainly attribute to the information acquired by endless research that I do in my business consulting practice, and life experiences too. Coupled with that I’m a classic introvert where I embody the old adage, “you have two ears and one mouth for a reason.”

For years this “cup half empty” approach served me well, especially when implementing a wide variety of intricate and multi-faceted marketing campaigns. And as I advanced in my career and switched from implementation to strategic planning, I continued the same approach with much fanfare recognizing once again that being a pessimistic realist helped me carefully craft the most complex of strategic plans.

But the last couple years have somehow led me to an epiphany and changed the way I think. The ongoing pandemic-stricken, inflation anxious, and mostly virtual social interactions switched my mindset into being an optimistic realist. I know it’s been quite a shocking revelation — that a “cup half-empty” could become a “cup half-full”.