“Are you an optimist or a pessimist?”
I guess the quality of the answer is always dependent on the quality of the question. And that’s a very binary question. In other words, you’re one or the other.
A better question could be: “How can I be both?”
A Few Definitions
You don’t necessarily need to know the dictionary definition of an optimist or pessimist. I’m sure you get it at a gut level anyway.
My take on it is simple.
Let’s just say, if you’re an optimist, you always think things will work out for the best. If you’re a pessimist, the worst.
Or another way I’ve heard it expressed is:
“An optimist sees a problem and turns it into an opportunity”.
“A pessimist sees an opportunity and turns it into a problem.”
(If you’d like to get a more profound overview of optimism versus pessimism, my video on Dr Martin Seligman’s 3 P’s could be very helpful.)
Where do I stand?
It’s not so much the case these days but, in the past, I would always over-insure. Contents, personal liability, life, travel, you name it.
Not because I’m more of a pessimist, but because it gave me a sense of certainty to take more risks, personally and in the business, knowing that my downside was covered.
Pitons
I’m no climber however, I’ve often likened optimism and pessimism to the metal spikes climbers diligently affix to the rock walls they’re climbing.
In many ways, they hope that they never have to use them (optimism), or that they will never have to take their full weight (if they were to ever fall).
But the fact that the pitons are there, in case they fall (pessimism) helps them climb faster and higher.
But can you be both?
In a word – absolutely.
The best way I’ve heard this described is by the marketer and writer Dan Kennedy.
He describes himself as a LONG-TERM BIG PICTURE “OPTIMIST” and a SHORT-TERM SMALL DETAIL “PESSIMIST”.
His example is a beauty. It’s to do with flying.
As a long-term big-picture optimist, he always believes the plane will get to its destination.
(Hey, would you get on the plane if you didn’t think you’d make it?)
But as a short-term, small-detail pessimist, he always assumes the plane will be delayed, that he may not get the seat he wants and that his luggage will get lost. (Always great to pack a spare pair of undies in your hand luggage).
Is there a middle road/path?
So, where is the middle path?
I want you to contemplate being an Optimistic Realist.
That is, be excited about your amazing BIG PICTURE and the possibilities ahead, and then have another look at your plans and ask:
- Is this really possible?
- Do I really want this?
- What might get in the way?
- What could go wrong?
- How committed am I really?
And I also would love you to be simultaneously a Pessimistic Pragmatist.
This means you keep thinking about what could go wrong but in the context of getting what you want. Ask yourself such questions as:
- How do we get back on track?
- What’s our backup plan?
- How could we do this better, differently or not at all?
- What are the unintended consequences?
- How will I be if I fail?
I’d love you to think about this concept in every major endeavour you and your family put your hands to.
Yes, of course, you can be totally over-the-top enthusiastic, positive, and a dreamer of big ideas for your life, your leadership, and your business.
And then work out your backup plan.
No, not to fall back on, but to help you really GO FOR IT!
So, if it’s not a backup plan, what is it?
On a Personal Note
My son Abe is an actor.
This year he has gone to the United States to try his hand at the American film and television industry. It’s a one-in-a-million chance of breaking through, but he’s going for it anyway.
He’s also very clever. He has established a great reputation as a solid, talented team player within the Australian Theatre scene and a great marketer to boot.
He is determined to keep his Australian contacts alive, and in his spare time do some virtual marketing work in the States.
Why, because it will give him even more chutzpah to go for his dreams.
So no, it’s not a “backup” plan.
It’s a “Lift UP” plan.
What’s yours? What’s the “lift up” plan you have discussed with your kids, your friends, and your team members?
Hope this helps and if you’re interested in learning more about coaching, be sure to download my guide on the 7 Types of Coaches and how to choose the right one for you.
Until Next time…
Find the passion.
Develop the skills.
Make the numbers.
Make a difference.
Paul Mitchell
Paul Mitchell (@Paul_S_Mitchell) is a speaker, author, transformational leadership coach and founder of the human enterprise. Through leadership coaching, leadership development programmes, keynotes and facilitation, Paul works with organisations to build cultures where everybody leads.
