Optimism with Grit

For more than a decade, I’ve highlighted how optimism and belief are of crucial importance if you want to change the world, or maybe just change your own world. I also have many posts about taking decisive action, as well as posts about determination and others about patience, but I don’t think I’ve ever put the magic ingredients together.

To give yourself the best chance of greatness, you must choose to be an unwavering optimist who takes decisive, committed action, while remaining patient and determined. Belief alone is often not enough. Action is often not enough. Delays, hurdles, and Murphy’s Law all stand in the way. Optimists who expect a lot of stuff to go wrong are the ones that wind up succeeding.

At first glance, expecting things to go awry might sound pessimistic and contradictory, but it is not. Expectations matter in every aspect of life. Decide to be an optimist with grit. Optimists who think it will be easy are likely ringing the bell and giving up. As the military teaches, winners “embrace the suck,” but never waver regarding their belief that they will prevail.

I.M. Optimisman