What To Do When A Setback Occurs

One of the frequent questions I have been getting is this: What do you do when a setback occurs? If something truly negative happens to you, you can't just ignore it, right?

I've had these questions too, and I thought I would share some of the answers I have found.

The idea behind Operation: Optimism! revolves around the concept of "informed optimism." Informed optimism is not just a bland naivete, a la-la land way of living your life. Informed optimism means that on a basic level, you try to focus on the good things in life. The opportunities. You do your best not to complain and feel as though you are a victim of the world around you. Because you are not a victim; you have tremendous power inside of you.

When a setback does occur, and in all likelihood it will occur at some point, it's best to do what you can to focus on the solution. If you need a little time to feel the pain, that is perfectly understandable. But have the confidence in yourself and your surroundings that whatever you need to get done, you will get done, and you will get it done in the best way possible. Definitely, definitely, be informed of your situation. Then understand that this too shall pass, and focus on what you can do to build a bridge toward a better life.

Informed optimism is not about blind faith in the goodness of the future. Informed optimism is understanding the reality that is today and working toward a better tomorrow. You can do this, no matter what occurs. If we work together at Operation: Optimism! toward crafting a better world for ourselves and our progeny, then there truly are no limits for us. As Michael J. Fox says in the title of his new book: Always Look Up. Your life, and the lives of those around you, will be enlightened as a result.