Optimist or Pessimist


Running injuries are now part and parcel of my existence. It's always the same leg - the right one. If it isn't Plantar Fasciitis or Achilles Tendinitis, then it's Shin Splints. When these injuries occur, I am sidelined for as much as two to eight weeks! The pessimistic thoughts that cross my mind at times like this are, "I'll never be able to run again. I'll stop running, gain a lot of weight, become obese and die. I absolutely can't survive without being able to run". As you can clearly see, my glass is not always half full. I very often find myself below the line when dealing with situations that have been a constant source of disappointment in the past.

The truth is everyone has the ability to be on either side of the fence at one point or another. Permanent optimism is a fallacy. But when I take a step back and do some deep introspection, I find that my pessimistic view may actually be robbing me of the joy and elation that often come from the small improvements that are happening every day around me. If I can't run, there are a plethora of other kinds of exercises I could do. As a teacher and encourager of others, I am constantly bringing people together and motivating them to keep rising regardless of how matter times they may have fallen. So, it seems even more improbable that I will consciously refuse to stop, listen and appreciate the rise from a fall as it happens.

As leaders, regardless of what we see, we must continue to instill hope in others. Leadership has a responsibility to bring people together and help those who may be lagging behind dig deep and figure out the strength that lies within. It must trust that yesterday may have been challenging but tomorrow will be much better if we all join hands and resolve to put in the effort required to make tomorrow better.

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