The Power of Optimism: Reflections on Josh Brown’s 'Optimism as a Default Setting'

Two friends, Sophie Krantz and BABETTE BENSOUSSAN, MBA , today commended Joshua Brown 's insightful article "Optimism as a Default Setting " to me.

As I read through it, two compelling ideas particularly resonated:

1. "Being optimistic all the time is difficult. But having any other disposition as a default setting makes little sense when you're investing for a future far out in front of us."
2. "Winners and other men and women of foresight and ambition do monumental things; pessimists watch them from the sidelines, making a list of all the reasons things won't work out."

These thoughts capture the essence of optimism as a critical element for achieving success and driving progress. Josh Brown contrasts optimists' bold actions with pessimists' cautious inaction. Through historical anecdotes, he illustrates how figures like J.P. Morgan thrived by embracing optimism and seeing opportunities in crises, while others saw only risks. Morgan's view was that "not a single skyscraper was built by a bear," reminding us that monumental achievements require a belief in positive outcomes, even when the road is fraught with challenges.

Josh's idea of "no easy optimism" resonates deeply, echoing comments by U.S. President Joe Biden earlier this year: "I've learned there is no easy optimism, but by faith — by faith, we can find redemption."

Brown and Biden highlight that optimism is not about na?ve positivity; it requires effort, resilience, and faith in the face of adversity. It's a hard-won perspective that helps us navigate difficult times, ultimately leading to growth and renewal.

Adding to this, my friend "Dona" Tantirimudalige , MD of Westernport Water , further underscores the necessity of optimism in challenging times: "Sometimes there are no easy paths to follow. Sometimes there are no easy options. In these situations in particular, if we are to succeed in any measure, it is critical that we step into the challenges we face with determination, grit, drive, and optimism."

Dona's words shared for my book "Optimism: The How and Why " remind us that when faced with overwhelming adversity, deliberate and conscious optimism is crucial for overcoming challenges and achieving success.

This perspective is further reinforced by the wisdom of Professor Jane Den Hollander AO , who observed, "My experience is that optimism stimulates curiosity, enables inclusion and drives a determination to do better than yesterday. Optimism is the harder journey; pessimism provides a way out and a rationale for doing nothing."

Jane reminds us that optimism fuels the drive to explore, include, and continuously improve, while pessimism often justifies stagnation and inaction.

Similarly, The Honourable Gareth Evans AC QC emphasises the power of optimism in public life, stating, "Optimism may not be self-fulfilling, but it is self-reinforcing, just as pessimism is self-defeating. Achieving anything of lasting value in public life is difficult enough, but it is almost impossible to do so without believing that what seems to be out of reach really is achievable. I would certainly prefer to live as an optimist and often be wrong, than to live as a pessimist and always be right."

Gareth's insights highlight that while optimism doesn't guarantee success, it creates a mindset that encourages perseverance and action, making pursuing seemingly unreachable goals possible. Conversely, pessimism can become a self-fulfilling prophecy, leading to defeat before the battle begins.

Adding to this, Jeff Kerr-Bell points out the practical impact of optimism on progress: "Optimism, shared and well communicated, helps us believe that a vision for the future can be achieved, and compels us forward when negativity and pessimism apply the brakes." His observation underscores the collective power of optimism, particularly in leadership and team dynamics. When leaders effectively communicate a positive vision, it motivates and unites people in pursuing common goals, overcoming the inertia that negativity often creates.

Helen Clark , Former Prime Minister of New Zealand, also advocates for the enduring power of optimism, saying, "It's always best to keep an optimistic outlook. Because pessimism doesn't get you anywhere."

Helen's advice reminds us that while optimism might not always guarantee success, it ensures that we remain in motion, striving for better outcomes. In contrast, pessimism can paralyse progress and trap us in a cycle of inaction.

Brown's narrative underscores that pessimism, while intellectually seductive, often sounds smarter because it aligns with our fears and worries. However, as Brown and these distinguished voices suggest, optimism powers ambition, stimulates creativity and drives people to accomplish great things. During the 2009 financial crisis, while pessimists hesitated, Sam Zell advised betting on positive outcomes, understanding that even in downturns, those who embrace optimism are positioned to seize opportunities and emerge stronger.

This is not to say optimism is about ignoring the risks or challenges. On the contrary, it's about maintaining a forward-looking perspective, even when circumstances seem dire. It's about the courage to plant seeds for the future, trusting that they will bear fruit in time. As Brown points out, the stock market's recovery post-2008, the rise of companies like Tesla and Netflix, and the resilience of investors in the face of overwhelming negativity all highlight that optimism, though challenging, is ultimately rewarded.

The advice of Professor Den Hollander, Gareth Evans, Jeff Kerr-Bell, Helen Clark, Dona Tantirimudalige, and the reflections of Joe Biden align perfectly with this view. Optimism drives us to do better each day, remain curious, include others in our journey, and believe that what seems out of reach is achievable. It is a path that requires effort and resilience, but it is the path that leads to growth and achievement. Conversely, pessimism might offer a comfortable escape, but it keeps us from realising our full potential.

In this context, Brown's article is not just a call to adopt optimism as a default setting but also a reminder that true success and progress come from those who dare see beyond the immediate obstacles and maintain faith in a brighter future. It's a powerful message that resonates with the belief that optimism isn't just about expecting good things to happen and the active pursuit of a better tomorrow.

What new opportunities do you see arising from this perspective on optimism?