This roller coaster we call life is full of ups and downs and everything in between. Although some of the twists and turns can cause heartache or stress, it is important to find the silver lining. This may seem hard during your lowest of lows; however, a positive outlook on life can truly make a difference. By being able to look on the bright side and become more positive, people are able to shift their perspective and better aim for success. As funny as it may seem, there is a day that is dedicated to this entire philosophy. December 21st, 2015 is recognized as Look on the Bright Side Day. … [Read more...]
Positively Infectious
From Chapter 10 “Optimism/Enthusiasm” in Ingredients of Outliers. Food For Thought If you're on the right side of the turf, how bad can it be? It's clear to me that, time and time again, optimism and enthusiasm have literally saved the day and sometimes the empire. Enthusiasm is infectious-spread it. In Other Words One of the things I learned the hard way was that it doesn’t pay to get discouraged. Keeping busy and making Optimism a way of life can restore faith in yourself. ~ Lucille Ball Optimist: someone who isn’t sure whether life is a tragedy or a comedy but is tickled … [Read more...]
“Can Do” Enthusiasm
From Chapter 10 “Optimism/Enthusiasm” in Ingredients of Outliers. The Electricity of Life One characteristic that, in my experience, goes hand in hand with optimism is enthusiasm. That’s certainly been the case with the optimists I’ve known and it’s true in my life as well. In fact, “enthusiasm” is listed among the synonyms I found for “optimism.” One of my favorite definitions of enthusiasm came from a man named Gordon Parks. "Enthusiasm,” he wrote, “is the electricity of life. How do you get it? You act enthusiastic until you make it a habit. Enthusiasm is natural; it … [Read more...]
The Power of Optimism
From Chapter 10 “Optimism/Enthusiasm” in Ingredients of Outliers. Brother Act It’s one thing to use the power of optimism to dramatically improve one’s health, as Norman Cousins did. It’s quite another to use it as the foundation on which to build a $100 million company. Meet Bert and John Jacobs, CEO and CCO, respectively, of New England-based Life is good, Inc. But don’t let those initials fool you; they’re not what you’d expect. Bert, the older by four years, is the company’s Chief Executive Optimist and John is the Chief Creative Optimist. The story begins in … [Read more...]
Look on the Bright Side
From Chapter 10 “Optimism/Enthusiasm” in Ingredients of Outliers. I imagine that, at one time or another, you’ve read or heard various definitions comparing optimism and pessimism. Perhaps the oldest and most familiar one involves a glass of water (or other beverage), which the optimist describes as half-full, and the pessimist as half-empty.Well, I recently heard of a young boy who turned that comparison upside down. After drinking half of his glass of milk, he set it down and announced: “I’m an optimist. My glass is half-empty.” Told that his view was pessimistic, he replied: … [Read more...]
Finding Your Passion: The Confessions of a Confused Graduate
Freshmen year of college I thought I had it all figured out. I declared my major and worked hard in every class, whether it was Spanish 201 or Advanced Reporting. I loved to talk to people, to learn about others and their passions, and pass on this information through articles and stories. With every analysis, feature, and editorial, I felt validated and even more certain of my path. In the fall semester of my senior year, I decided to study abroad in Seville, Spain. Thus far, the decision to live in another country for a semester has been the best choice I’ve ever made, though it did have … [Read more...]