On being an optimist

I was asked the other day what it takes to be a rebooter. I think the single most important requirement is optimism.

An optimist has a strong sense that whatever path he or she takes, it’s going to work out fine. Part of the reason, I believe, is that an optimistic person works harder at making things turn out right than a pessimist. When you are sure things are going to hell, they usually do. I don’t know what the actual correlation is, but my instinct tells me it’s a strong one.

It takes more courage to be an optimist when the going is tough. I was moved to look up some quotes on optimism. Here are the best ones I’ve found so far:

For myself I am an optimist - it does not seem to be much use being anything else. – Winston Churchill.

Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence. –Helen Keller.

A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty. Winston Churchill.

I’m not suggesting that being an optimist will land you a job. But I would suggest that pessimism is a less effective option!