The glass is always full

I recall there was much cause for hope and optimism this time last year, as there were many signals that the end of the pandemic was in sight. Instead, one year later there is still much uncertainty, and we are all one year more tired of fighting this virus.?

?I started thinking about a Monday Message I sent to the Dillon team a while back that was inspired by a book called The Optimist's Telescope by Bina Venkataraman. The message contained some valuable lessons about optimism, and I thought that now might be the perfect time to revisit those lessons, plus share some ideas from this week’s Monday Message about hope.

?Optimism is an attitude and a choice.

?For starters, optimism involves context and focus. It is how we react to what life throws at us, and what significance we attribute to these experiences, that makes all the difference. It is not about deluding ourselves with the reassurance that everything is going to be okay (because that's not productive) but instead, being committed to finding things that we can contribute to—things we can work on and improve.

?While thinking about what to write to the Dillon team this week, I was reminded of a quote I recently heard: "Hope is not a Strategy." This is a somewhat famous quote that may sound cold or insensitive to some people. I do agree with the statement that hope itself isn’t a strategy, but hope IS critical to achieving any strategy.

?Hope is the belief that something is possible and probable, with the understanding that the degree of each is not necessarily equal. Because hope recognizes that failure happens and success is not certain, it supports the realistic optimism necessary for success.

?That said, here are a few suggestions on how you can develop or maintain optimism:

·????????Use a ‘Positive Lens’

A Positive Lens is the orientation that looks for opportunity and possibility in situations and people, where others may only see adversity, crisis and failure. There are many things that are not in our control. We can hope they change, and maybe they will, but when we try to reframe our hopes through the positive lens of the things we can influence, and act on those things, our hopes have a much better chance of coming true.

?·????????Don't Forget to Acknowledge the Negative

It is not about being irrationally optimistic. You can both acknowledge the reality of a situation, and look for the opportunity inherent in it.

?·????????Take Note of the Company You Keep

Negatively breeds negativity, period.

?·????????Turn Off the News

Although it’s important to stay informed, there’s no need to beat a dead horse with a stick. Don’t let bad news overwhelm you. It’s OK to walk away and take a break.

·????????Write in a Journal for a Few Minutes Each Day

Journaling is a great way to keep things in perspective and help identify your negative ‘triggers.’

·????????Acknowledge What You Can — and Cannot — Control

I know I often find myself dwelling or wallowing too much on what didn't go well, which takes up valuable time needed for more positive activities. My message for myself in these situations (and for others that dwell or wallow) is to quickly translate that dwelling into an action (a ‘frog’ – see my previous article on time management) and get it on my to-do list. If there isn't an obvious action, ask a friend or peer. If there still isn't, then it is likely not something in your control, so just let it go.

As the Greek philosopher Epictetus wrote: "Make the best use of what is in your power, and take the rest as it happens.”

So, what will 2022 bring? Certainly, more challenges and more opportunities. This pandemic is not over but at least we know what to do to manage through it, because we've been doing it for almost two years. I have also learned many things about myself over these past two years. There are things I haven't been able to do that I do not miss, and things I will do again as soon as possible. I definitely have a better understanding of the things I am grateful for, and I'm grateful for that clarity. And gratitude has the power to bring hope. And hope breeds realistic optimism. And realistic optimism can be a driving force for 2022 and beyond.

Sean Hanlon is CEO of?Dillon Consulting, a proudly Canadian, employee-owned professional consulting firm specializing in planning, engineering, environmental science and management.?Dillon Consulting?partners with clients to provide committed, collaborative and inventive solutions to complex, multi-faceted projects.