This may sound strange, but optimism isn’t seeing only sunshine. It isn’t hearing only the good things. It isn’t ignoring difficulties.
Rather I think of optimism as choosing to carry a colorful umbrella on a cloudy day. Sure it might rain, but you’ll be dry and bring your own brightness along.
Which makes the day so much better than it being gray, dreary, and damp!
Pick Your Umbrella
As a leader, you get to pick your umbrella; make sure it’s BOTH water tight and makes you smile.
Being prepared for sales difficulties makes them easier to deal with so take stock of your resources; know what you have at your disposal to stay dry.
Carry It With You
Me: why didn’t you bring your umbrella
Friend: I did, it’s in my car
** as we are watching it POUR down with rain outside the coffee shop **
Having the tools and resources you need doesn’t actual help, unless you have them available when you need them. Now that you’ve taken stock of your resources, ensure you have them ready to go when you need to use them.
Open When Necessary
Another piece of the optimism puzzle is to USE your resources. It may sound silly to say it, yet many times when faced with difficulties people freeze instead of act.
You have your umbrella with you – don’t forget to open it!