Thursday, April 30, 2009

Ostensible Optimism vs. Hidden Optimism


I had an interesting experience this evening with a phenomenon I call Ostensible Optimism. It's those situations where you think you are trying to be positive, but in fact, the thought is coming from a fear-based place.

For example, let us say that you make a certain amount of money, and you've finally gotten to the point where you are earning the amount you want to make.

You're at a party, and someone comes over to you and asks: "Are you are happy with the amount of money you are making?"

In these situations you have 2 choices for answers.

(1) "Things are great and I'm totally satisfied with everything"; or

(2) "Things are good, but I'm excited to think about how much better they can be."

(You could also answer, "why the hell would you even ask me that," but you're trying to be positive.)

At first glance, #2 seems like it's really optimistic. You are saying, "hey, things are cool now, but wow, they can even get better!"

That sounds reasonably positive. But in truth - it depends. It depends on where your thoughts are coming from.

If your thoughts are coming from a place of, "yeah, things can be better, but to a certain extent I'm afraid that I'll make less next month because that's happened before" then you are actually having fear-based thoughts. Fear-based thoughts can appear optimistic, positive, expansive, but they only make you smaller. Ostensibly they seem helpful, but they are not.

But if your thoughts are coming from "wow this is great I'm so happy with what I'm making and I can't wait to see what else is in store," then you are more in line with the greatness that is you and where you truly on the right frequency. You are displaying Hidden Optimism, that has really become part of who you are.

Sometimes it helps to talk to a friend or a coach who can help you talk this out. When you are with yourself all the time you start believing your own, well, you know. Friends and coaches are great sounding boards, and you should use them to gain better clarity about your own intentions.

Most importantly though, is feeling the gratitude and appreciation for where you are. Nothing will change your world like appreciation. Appreciation is the antidote to fear, and it will take you to where it is you want to go. And with it you really will draw more in, and for that, you should be excited for what's in store. Buckle up. It'll be an amazing ride.

Tell me your thoughts on this one. I'd like to hear any and all ideas on ostensible optimism and hidden optimism. This is not just my blog - this is our blog!

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