Keep Freaking Believing

To all of you who’ve given yourselves to something important:

I don't know what circumstances you're facing today.

The challenges you're up against or the setbacks weighing on you.

But I know this: for 99% of us, it's way too early to become pessimistic.

Setbacks can feel permanent.

And this acute problem can easily feel like destiny, especially if you stare at it too long.

But pessimism ISN'T the way.

OPTIMISM is.

Now, I'm not talking about blind hope.

Optimism truly is the best way forward.

The optimist SEES what others can't see, largely, because the pessimists long ago quit looking.

The optimist PERSEVERES.

While everyone else finds reasons to quit running, the optimist keeps on because they picture something bigger than the current hill.

The optimist is the LEADER.

While pessimists complain and cynics scapegoat, the optimist is the one who, by their actions, says "follow me."

I'm thinking of you, friends and colleagues who are building schools, digging wells, advocating for childcare policies, and brokering peace deals around the world.

I'm also thinking of you, leaders and coaches tasked with supporting the people around you. 

We need you of all people to stay optimistic.

So yeah. Today may be incredibly bleak.

But these conditions will change.

If you would but keep going.

Keep freaking believing.