Brazen Optimism, Shameless Optimism – Two New Superpowers of Optimism

"Her optimism is rare and sails against the winds of contemporary culture."

"Brazen Optimism", "Shameless Optimism" – Two New Superpowers of Optimism .

You know my passion for optimism. Most mornings, I rise around 5 am, make coffee, and read my optimism "clippings" by friends and allies and in media and social media. There's joy in new and original insights and wisdom on optimism and its application in life.

This morning, I opened an article by Nancy Princenthal entitled "Amy Sherald, Brazen Optimist " and subtitled, "In an exhibition at the SFMOMA San Francisco Museum of Modern Art , the artist known for her portraits of Michelle Obama and Breonna Taylor is showing how much else she can do."

Nancy says of Amy, "Her optimism is rare and sails against the winds of contemporary culture."

She concludes, "Least of all does she embrace bitter endings. Shameless optimism is her second act."

Brazen Optimism. Shameless Optimism. Neither were in my list of optimism superpowers – they are now added.

The Superpowers of Optimism

Optimism is a potent force that empowers us to persevere, innovate, and transcend challenges with resilience. It acts as a catalyst for progress, fueling creativity, inspiring leadership, and bolstering emotional and physical well-being. Optimism is the superpower that allows individuals to envision a future where good things will happen and confidently take action to shape that future. It enhances problem-solving abilities, turning obstacles into stepping stones and fostering persistence in adversity.

Optimism is multifaceted, with each form offering its unique strength. Infectious optimism lifts others, spreading positivity and hope like wildfire. Realistic optimism sees the world as it is while striving for improvement, keeping us grounded and forward-moving. Strategic optimism enhances leadership, enabling forward-thinking and innovative decision-making that transforms organisations and communities.

Brazen Optimism

Brazen optimism takes this a step further. It is a bold, unapologetic belief in a better future, even when that belief flies in the face of prevailing cultural pessimism. It dares to dream big, even when others doubt. Brazen optimism drives decisive action, challenging the status quo and inspiring transformation.

Consider Kathryn Murdoch , a climate activist whose commitment to tackling climate change epitomises brazen optimism. In a piece titled "The Brazen Optimism of Kathryn Murdoch's Plan to Save Earth ," the The Washington Post highlighted how Murdoch's vision is rooted in an unwavering belief that we can save the planet despite the monumental challenges ahead. Her optimism is undeterred by political inertia or climate scepticism, blending hope with decisive action. This kind of optimism doesn't flinch at criticism or scepticism—it pushes forward, galvanised by the conviction that progress is both possible and necessary.

Brazen optimism also shines through in culture and fashion, where the bold embrace of hope is reflected in creative expression. Tralee Pearce wrote about New York's brazen optimism during a time of heightened anxiety: "These days, fashion is ironic even when it doesn't try. Just as New York went under an orange alert, that emergency colour was parading itself on the runways with brazen optimism."

The defiant use of bright colours amidst crisis illustrates how optimism can manifest as a refusal to bow to fear, a reminder that hope can thrive even in the darkest moments.

Amy Sherald's work, Kathryn Murdoch's activism, and New York's fashion scene reflect an optimistic defiance that says: Yes, we can, even when the world seems to suggest otherwise.

Brazen optimism is not about ignoring reality but boldly imagining and creating a better one.

Shameless Optimism

Shameless optimism takes the unapologetic nature of optimism even further. It's the belief in the goodness of the future, unafraid to stand tall in the face of scepticism or outright negativity. Shameless optimism says, "I'm not sorry for believing things will get better," it doesn't seek to temper hope to avoid offending the pessimists. Instead, it embraces optimism fully, refusing to apologise for positivity, no matter how outlandish it might seem to those steeped in doubt.

Joachim Klement exemplified shameless optimism perfectly when he declared : "A bugbear of mine that is increasingly turning into a mission is my aversion to and desire to fight the doom and gloom that surrounds us. I am convinced that being pessimistic and gloomy is not only bad for mental health but also bad for investment performance and the economy overall... I am not going to apologise for my shameless optimism."

Klement's statement is a battle cry against defeatist attitudes that pervade industries and economies. His optimism becomes a mission, proving hope and positivity drive better business, life, and society outcomes.

Shameless optimism also has deep roots in cultural and historical contexts. Michi Kaifu , writing about the San Francisco Bay Area, said, "Shameless optimism is exactly the tradition of San Francisco Bay Area, since 1849." From the Gold Rush to the tech pioneers of today, the Bay Area's identity is built on an enduring, unapologetic belief that anything is possible. This tradition of shameless optimism continues to fuel the region's progress, where risk-taking and bold vision are embraced as essential to success.

Shameless optimism isn't just a mindset; it's a force that declares optimism as essential, even when it feels uncomfortable to others. It rejects the notion that realism must be synonymous with pessimism, asserting that believing in better outcomes is the only option for those truly committed to creating change.

Shameless optimism refuses to submit to today's atmosphere of "doomscrolling", negativity and the fog of pessimism. It dares to say I see the challenges, and I also see the opportunities. Shameless optimists transform adversity into adventure, challenges into catalysts for change, and doubt into determination.

Embracing Brazen and Shameless Optimism

As a radical optimist, I have embraced the power of optimism in all its forms. Now, with brazen and shameless optimism in my toolkit, I feel even more equipped to embrace this philosophy with full force. Just as I've been inspired by Pollyanna's boundless optimism and Viktor Frankl's Tragic Optimism, these new dimensions invite me - and you - to be bold, unapologetic, and fearless in our pursuit of an optimistic, compelling vision of a better world.

Brazen and shameless optimism reminds us that optimism is not just about hoping for good things. It's about daring to make them happen. It means being fearless and believing that progress is inevitable with the right mindset and effort. It's about facing the challenges of today with confidence that we can shape a better tomorrow.

What does shameless or brazen optimism look like in your life? How can you embody these superpowers in your work, relationships, or community involvement?

Read More on Optimism Superpowers

So too "In Praise of Pollyanna"