A weird thing separates thrivers from strugglers

Over a decade ago, I decided I didn’t want to work for a boss.

I wanted more flexibility and a greater sense of self-reliance.

I also wanted to rely on something other than any one employer.

Having several clients or customers seemed far safer than just one boss who could drop me any moment.

I decided, at 24, to leave the real estate office I was in, and work for myself as an illustrator.

I’d create my own luck.

My career since then has been peppered with 10x more mistakes than successes.

Cash flow was often nonexistent.

Many times I felt dumb, inadequate and confused.

But I learned over time to develop a trait I saw in those who seemed unstoppable:

‘Unreasonable’ optimism.

It’s being ok with reality even if the data suggests things aren’t ok.

Those who seem to win long-term are no different than all of us.

We all face an uncertain future.

No one knows jack crap.

And so, to succeed and to stay sane, I dabble in the ‘unreasonable.’

Reasonable anything is dull and uninspiring anyway.

I must be open to saying yes when others want to hide.

When I suffer a setback, it’s about seeing the lesson in it instead of the loss.

When others deliberate and ponder, I aim to act, even if I don't have the complete picture.

Now THAT’s unreasonable.

So, while everyone talks of darkness, I aim to nurture more:

Unreasonable optimism.

Alex

P.S. If you haven’t read it yet, you can support me and grab my book: The Art of Self Respect, here.