The Optimism Edge

“Optimism is the one quality more associated with success and happiness than any other.”

– Brian Tracy motivational speaker and author

Lately, it seems like every conversation I have circles back to one big question: “How do I stop feeling so overwhelmed by all this change?”

We’ve all heard that being optimistic is the key to getting through tough times, but it’s not always easy to hang onto, right? There are usually two reasons why:

1) It’s easier said than done. It’s not that we don’t want to be optimistic—it’s that in the middle of stress, setbacks, or feeling overwhelmed, optimism can feel out of reach.

2) It sometimes feels fake… you know, like you’re supposed to slap on a smile and pretend everythings fine, even when it’s not—kinda like our cartoon hero below 😅

That’s where I see the power of pragmatic optimism.  It’s not about blind positivity (or ignoring the flames like our friend above); it’s about looking at tough situations and asking, What can I do about it? What’s the opportunity here? What can I learn from this?

With pragmatic optimism, we shift from being passive participants to active problem-solvers. It puts us back in control, which can make everything feel a little less overwhelming.

Research shows that 75% of optimism is within our control. It’s not something you’re simply born with—it’s a skill you can develop. And when you do, it leads to better health, greater resilience, and the kind of energy that helps you tackle even the toughest weeks. 💪

Ready to flex your optimism muscle? Here’s your challenge:

Find a new story

Identify one challenge you’re facing that feels heavy.

Now ask yourself: How can I flip my perspective to focus on the possibilities instead of the problems?

Get a fresh take

Is there someone you could talk to that might offer you a different (and helpful) POV? 

Take a small step toward what’s possible

Instead of thinking about what’s not working, ask yourself, “What’s still possible here?” Then take one action—big or small—that nudges you forward.

Want some other suggestions for how to dial up your pragmatic optimism? Here are four other suggestions:

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