Optimism and A Can-Do Attitude

I have been accused of being an eternal optimist. This may be an accurate observation. Recently after returning from a funeral, I found myself commenting that "funerals are great because we get to see family and friends who we haven't seen in years." It all depends upon your perspective...

I do not know if optimism is learned or genetic, but I find it mostly to be a useful trait. I suspect that I am naturally wired for my glass-half-full perspective. I enjoy just about everything in life. Also, I believe optimism to be the foundation for my can-do attitude. I do not let pessimism and naysayers keep me from taking on new challenges and achieving my best. I remember being told that I could not do any number of things. Fortunately, I did not listen and found that I could accomplish most anything that I set my mind to. 

Entitlement vs. Personal Responsibility

The word entitlement has a negative connotation. It implies a right to something  whether that something is earned or not. Entitlement thinking can be defined as a selfish concern for oneself without regard for the burden it places on others. I firmly believe that entitlement thinking is NOT the norm. It occurs when people do not feel connected to and responsible for the organizations to which they belong. I further believe that we all want to take personal responsibility for ourselves and will do so if given the opportunity. Most people do not desire handouts, but most appreciate a helping hand when they are in need of one. 

Start With Why

Simon Sinek's concept about "Start With Why" provides a compelling perspective on culture and values. Sinek argues that all people are driven by a why, also known as a purpose or cause. He supports his theory with a biological argument that decision-making is centered in the limbic system at the core of the brain. The limbic brain is the most primal part of the brain and is responsible for emotion, behavior & long-term memory. If the limbic brain is responsible for decision making, then all decisions are emotional. Language and reason occur in the more developed part of the brain called the neocortex. We use reason to justify and rationalize our emotional decisions, but all decisions are based on emotion. Sinek argues that great companies start with a why, and this why incites emotion within the limbic brain from workers and customers alike.

I Am Too Busy To ...

Yesterday, I bought a new road bike. I know this sounds trivial, especially considering I have three mountain bikes in the garage, and ride 4+ days every week. It is significant because I have been saying that I want to purchase a road bike for more than two years. I never found the time to make this purchase. I have just been too busy.