Last week Eric Harvey sent me a new book he has co-authored with Michelle Sedas, The Power of 10%. I reviewed it in my free ezine today. If you’re not already subscribed, you can do so at my website www.BudBilanich.com.
The Power of 10% is a great book. Eric and Michelle argue that giving an extra 10% in any one of several areas of your life can yield big results. Optimism is one of the areas they highlight. If you read this blog with any regularity, you know that I am a relentless optimist. I always look on the more favorable side of events, and expect the most favorable outcome. I find that this life view helps create positive self fulfilling prophecies.
Eric and Michelle quote Helen Keller…
“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.”
I agree. That’s why I give away a free copy of The Optimist Creed to readers of this blog. If you don’t already have your copy, you can get one by sending an e mail to Bud@BudBilanich.com with the words “Optimist Creed” in the subject line. I will send you a copy that you can frame and hang in your work area – just as I have done.
Optimism is a necessary ingredient of self confidence. Self confidence is one of the keys to success that I discuss in Straight Talk for Success. If you want to become self confident, you need to do three things: 1) be optimistic; 2) face your fears and act; and 3) surround yourself with positive people.
In The Power of 10% Eric and Michelle say…
“Optimists have been known for being more successful, forming stronger social networks and living longer than pessimists. This makes sense. An optimist has a sense of hope that, in the end, things will work out. The dream will be achieved, the goal will be accomplished the task completed. With this outlook, an obstacle isn’t viewed as an insurmountable impasse, but rather a smaller bump only momentarily obscuring the positive outcome from sight…Chose to look on the more favorable side of things – 10% more often. Choose to press forward, even when all the odds seem stacked against you—just 10% more. Your choices will not only help you, but will allow you to inspire optimism in others, through the power of 10%.”
I couldn’t have said it better.
The common sense point here is clear. Optimism is necessary for success in your career and life. Optimism is the foundation on which you self confidence is built. Optimists are more successful and live longer than pessimists. Their positive world view gives them a sense of hope that allows them to achieve their dreams and accomplish their goals. Become 10% more optimistic you’ll see a more than 10% increase in your success.
That’s my take on optimism and The Power of 10%. What’s yours? Please comment and tell us what you think. I value and appreciate all of your comments. And, as always, thanks for reading – and commenting.
Bud
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