There are two types of optimism. Only one of them wins.
Author Sahil Bloom calls them active and passive optimism, and the one you want to have is active. He continued, "Always assume things will work out, then do the work to make it true."
That's active optimism. Passive optimism is the belief that things will work out on their own, that the universe will magically hand you the outcome. Active optimism is the belief that things will work out, mostly because of the action you're willing to take to make sure they do.
Think about a sales opportunity where someone gets a request for proposal.
The pessimist does nothing; they've already decided it's a lost cause.
The passive optimist believes they'll win simply because their company exists.
The active optimist believes they'll win because of the specific actions they take to prove their desire and their differentiators.
It doesn't take a genius to see the difference, but research makes the choice even more compelling.
A 2006 meta-analysis by Segerstrom and Nes backs this up. Optimists consistently confronted their stressors head-on. They didn't avoid or deny that tough things were in front of them; they attacked where pessimists avoided. The researchers framed it simply: the action has to follow the belief.
Being optimistic is a cheat code in life. But without action behind it, you cap the odds of the outcome ever showing up.
Today, assume it works out. Then go do the work that makes it true.
Always assume things will work out, then do the work to make it true.
P.S. The Optimistic Outlook is a Podcast! Leaving a rating or review wherever you listen to podcasts would mean a lot.
Use Your Gifts,
John Eades
Creator, The Leadership Lens & The Optimistic Outlook