Be Optimistic

Always try to be Optimistic ...
not that it will help much!

This is one of the quirky wisdom of Garfield, the cat. I agree. Completely.

It feels good to be optimistic. In fact, you need more optimism to continue to be optimistic even when we know that it may not help much!

Fortunately, I got into this development sector where one of the job requirements is optimism. Constantly, we are expected to look out for problems, make incremental progress, hope for the best and try whatever is possible within our means.

But, we have some ultra-optimists. They always look at the bright side of things and it comes naturally. I am now convinced that it is a habit and possible to be cultivated. I don't trust much in the motivation talks, Landmark forum, Laughing clubs and even in such camps that are being organised by corporates. But, what I do believe is that the atmosphere within the organisation, company of people and the issues which we handle in life can bring a sense of optimism in our general life as well.

And, of course, I am all for watching the 'feel-good' families, even though they may be described as 'chick-flicks' (in derogatory terms?). Some of them are really good and bring the nice side of peoplel; and we aspire like those nice chaps.



But, there is a theory that Optimism is a bit of hiding from reality. Some people argue that it is just day-dreaming and it is nothing to do with reality.That is precisely the point. If we get caught up in the reality, which is not to our liking, can we just accept that? Optimist is the person who feels that reality can be changed and works for it. If all of us are realists, no real positive change would have happened. Scientific inventions would not have happened; personal reforms will not materialise; human spirit would not have survived at the time of adversity etc. So, optimism is actually to work against reality.

It helps a lot in being in a profession where optimism is possible. Unfortunately, there are some professions where we are expected to always consider the worst case scenario and make our moves. Police for example.

But, one thing I agree. There are situations where we can have an opinion only either black or white. We can't stretch the motto of being optimistic too far ...