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Born to Be an Optimist?

Writer's picture: Dane BoyleDane Boyle

“The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” – Winston Churchill





Have you ever wondered if optimism is something you’re born with or something you develop over time? When faced with a problem, an optimist instinctively searches for solutions and focuses on the upside, while a pessimist often throws in the towel, convinced that all hope is lost. Some even retreat into denial, pretending the problem doesn’t matter—a strategy that never really works.


Dr. Martin Seligman, one of the world’s leading experts on optimism, suggests that we are all born optimists. And yet, by adulthood, a staggering 95% of people lean toward pessimism. What happened along the way? Why do some see the glass as half empty, while others see it as half full? Can a person be both?


Truthfully, most of us fluctuate between optimism and pessimism depending on the situation. The irony? Our outlook often shapes our outcomes. When we believe something will go well, it tends to work out. Conversely, when we expect failure, we often get exactly that.


The Power of Words: "I Can't" vs. "I Won't"


A simple phrase can reveal whether someone leans toward optimism or pessimism. A pessimist in a tough situation will say, “I can’t.” This phrase reflects powerlessness and helplessness. An optimist, however, will say, “I won’t.” This slight shift in language is significant—it indicates a conscious choice rather than passive defeat.


Optimists focus on what they want, rather than dwelling on what might go wrong. Their mindset sets them up for success in a variety of ways:

  • Optimists achieve their goals because they don’t quit.

  • Optimists attract success naturally.

  • Optimists are generally happier, healthier, and more energetic.

  • Optimists inspire positivity in those around them.

  • Optimists tend to live longer and suffer fewer serious health issues.


These benefits aren’t magic—they stem from a mindset that transforms challenges into opportunities. Optimists don’t just think happy thoughts and wait for life to unfold perfectly. They actively approach problems with a positive outlook, believing that every challenge carries an opportunity for growth.


The Choice is Yours


Norman Vincent Peale once said, “Change your thoughts and change your world.” At the end of the day, optimism is a choice. If you choose pessimism, you’re setting yourself up for a lifetime of seeing obstacles instead of possibilities. That’s an exhausting way to live.


Choosing optimism, on the other hand, means empowering yourself. It means looking for the good in people and circumstances, helping others find positivity, and taking action to improve your life. It doesn’t mean you’ll never face hardship—but it does mean you’ll handle challenges better.


You’ll be resilient, proactive, and able to navigate life’s ups and downs with a sense of control rather than helplessness.


Optimism Can Be Learned


If you don’t naturally lean toward optimism, don’t worry—it’s a skill you can develop. But like any habit, it takes effort and practice.


Start by catching your negative thoughts. Each time you think something pessimistic, stop and ask yourself how you can reframe it in a positive light. Over time, this will become second nature.


Here’s a simple starting point:

  • Practice positive thinking and feeling.

  • Permit yourself to embrace new thoughts and emotions.

  • Set goals and take actionable steps to achieve them.


You can be as optimistic as you want about achieving your dreams—but optimism works best when paired with action. So, take steps toward your goals, keep pushing forward, and expect the best from life.


Choose to be optimistic. Choose to think and act in ways that bring positivity, resilience, and success into your life. The power is in your hands.


What steps are you taking to cultivate optimism in your daily life?


Share your thoughts in the comments!


21 views4 comments

4 Comments


Guest
Feb 04

Little mantras like “I get to” instead of “I have to” and “it only sucks while you’re doing it” help me stay optimistic when my mind thinks something is too hard

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Coach Dane
Feb 04
Replying to

The mind is a powerful thing.

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Robert Alsup
Robert Alsup
Feb 04

I take "wake up and be amazing" literally. Starting off the day with a positive and optimistic attitude sets the tone for the day!

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Coach Dane
Feb 04
Replying to

Love that!

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Dane Boyle Coaching

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