Optimism
This weekend marked the end of my son Hudson’s 13U travel baseball season. A real bummer, but he did finish with a bang!
Baseball has a lot to teach us about life because it is a game of failure.
Getting a hit 3 out of 10 times is massively good.
That means 7 out of 10 times the hitter sits down after getting up to bat. Yet, if you can get a hit 3 out of 10 times you’re a prized hitter!
To hit .300, you must remain optimistic especially after starting zero for seven.
Optimism is tough for a lot of people right now.
As the news cycle talks about the resurgence of the pandemic and the number of people dying and who have died from the virus, my heart breaks.
The loss of jobs and number of small businesses that have been hurt is real and devastating. These facts are not to be ignored or minimized.
The current social unrest ,along with toxic and political divisiveness, is disheartening to say the least, but it will hopefully bring about positive change.
However, there is MUCH to be optimistic about. Human lifespans are increasing. The standard of living for most has never been higher. More people are achieving higher levels of education. Medical care is more accessible. And household incomes continue to go up.
And not to be minimized is people’s generosity.
For more positive news, check out HumanProgress.org.
To be a successful in any area of life you must have what I call Realistic Optimism, or Optimistic Realism.
This incorporates the realities of the present, which may be disheartening, along with a future outlook that is bright. And the future IS bright.
In the short-term there will be tough days, market downturns, disappointing news, and discouraging developments. But in the long-term things look bright!
Quote:
“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.”
– Helen Keller