THE OPTIMIST

THREAD: The Optimist

1. Admiral James Stockdale was a US Navy vice admiral and aviator awarded the Medal of Honor in the Vietnam War, during which he was a POW for over seven years.

2. Stockdale’s story was recalled by author Jim Collins in his book: “Good to Great.”

It is an inspiring story of mental discipline and patience in the face of uncertainty and potential death.

Lessons from Stockdale's story are relevant for us all in today's climate.

3. When asked about his coping-strategy, while in the POW camp, Stockdale said:

“I never lost faith in the end of the story, I never doubted not only that I would get out, but also that I would prevail in the end and turn the experience into the defining event of my life.”

4. When asked who didn't make it out of Vietnam, Stockdale replied:

“Oh, that's easy, the optimists.

They were the ones who said, 'We're going to be out by Christmas.'

..and Christmas would come, and Christmas would go.

Then they'd say, 'We're going to be out by Easter'...

5. ...and Easter would come, and Easter would go. …and then Thanksgiving, and then it would be Christmas again.

...and they died of a broken heart.”

6. Stockdale then added: “This is a very important lesson:

You must never confuse faith that you will prevail in the end… with the discipline to confront the most brutal facts of your current reality.”

7. The lesson is that optimism lures our mind into false scenarios, forcing us into a reality that hopes good things will happen!

Optimism swings on a grief/ relief pendulum, always hoping for some future relief. This makes us weak humans.

It is time to learn from Stockdale.

8. Optimism is a response to the pressures applied to our beliefs.

Hope and expectations are the fruit of optimism, which are our enemy, because they weaken our resolve.

- Hope is the response to uncertainty.  

- Expectation is the response to desire.

9. Positivity is our true expression, as this creates a new energy.

A positive outlook embraces all experiences, knowing they can elevate our awareness and strengthen our resolve.

Optimism and positivity live within completely different realities.

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