May 25, 2025
Pessimism is profitable. News. Media. Social. Negativity, criticism, and complaining are everywhere and they print money. Open Twitter or Reddit. Turn on the tv. Pick up a newspaper. Pessimism is the headline. “If it bleeds, it leads.” This isn’t new. It’s natural. Maybe even wired into us as a survival instinct. But just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it’s best.
Pessimists are often right. People are fallible. If you believe someone will eventually let you down, odds are you’ll be right.
But what about all the time between the prediction and being proven right? The “in-between”? That time is lost. So much potential ignored while awaiting the “inevitable”. And for what? A moment of satisfaction. “Told you so” satisfaction is short lived and has diminishing returns.
Would you rather be right or happy?
I choose optimism. Optimism is not naivety. It’s not about thinking the worst won’t happen, but rather the best is yet to come.
Life well lived will always include tragedy, disappointment, and despair. That’s part of the deal. We can’t control much, but we can control our outlook.
Optimism is the choice. A healthy one.
It’s not all sunshine and roses. It’s about where you place your attention. It’s about choosing what gives you energy, what builds momentum. Our attention is our greatest currency. Spend it wisely.
It’s more fun to be a fan than a critic. Have fun.