Optimistic Definition:
What defines an optimist? What is the perfect optimistic definition of the word optimist? Who actually is an optimist and what defines him as one?
Is an optimist someone who never feels bad or someone who has never seen a bad result in life?
Is optimist someone who has never tasted failure, as a result of which he is supremely confident about the happenings of life?
I believe the perfect optimistic definition is in the post – Optimist, Pessimist and A Realist – Who Are You?
We shall rediscover the definition of optimistic through this quote of Robert Ersolt
“An optimist, is someone who figures that taking a step backward after taking a step forward is not a disaster, it is Cha Cha”
– Robert Ersolt
Well that’s one definition to go by. Vocabulary.com defines optimist as the person who sees the best of the outcomes even if the hopes are not likely.
But how does one manage? Doesn’t someone get tired with the repeated blows on their head? How do they manage to survive beyond that?
How do they manage to see the best in the situation even if things are at their worst.
Honestly I don’t believe in a perfect optimist. When things are going wrong, we tend to think the worst, we tend to think that something can and will go wrong unless we act – Some people define him as a pessimist and some others as a realist.
The quote from the movie Tin Tin says – Realist is just another word for a quitter!
Is it true? Do we sometimes shy away from a few challenges just cos we think that we might not be well equipped to face it?
What is our first reaction to adversity? What do we do when something goes wrong? What if it goes beyond our control and keeps going wrong even if we try to stop it?
What is the solution? A pessimist might think of the worst possible scenario, make the worst of the situation and give the worst outcome which in this case becomes a bit impractical.
Also we cannot be the perfect optimist who says everything is all right even when things are not and keeps pretending that things might get better! He isn’t of much help either.
And I do not know what to call of the realists, I simply like to believe that they do not exist.
I think the real definition of optimist is that someone who knows how screwed up things are, decides that there is a way out and starts working on it. It is about taking that one step forward when everything around you is pushing you down.
And if this is done through a bit of romanticism and a bit of extra belief in yourself, then it is a brilliant thing to happen.
But we need the pessimist in you too. After all, we are trying to solve a real life problem. They both do make some great definitions for the dictionary, but there is a certain magic when you combine the two together.
The optimist gives you hope and the pessimist gives you precision. If you are able to control the both and direct them in the desired direction, then it can be a whole new and beautiful world out there.
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What a quote! loved the comparison with Cha Cha..it’s just perfect. I’m an optimist most of the times, but I like to see myself prepared for bleak situations too…. “hope for the best and, prepare for the worst” type…
Thank you Maniparna. I loved this too, a simple light quote which relates dance to our lives. And cha cha is certainly a brilliant form of optimism cos there is so much of energy in it.. And the music rolls :)
I am a realist is there is one, I like to look at things realistically and not think too positive when chances are bleak. I don’t believe in miracles too. Am certainly not a pessimist but I loved your post on bringing the true aspect of balance in things.
I am always at doubt as to what I really am Shweta.. I mean I get really confused with these words – optimist, pessimist and realist.. But then I like to tell myself – whatever floats my boat and works best for me makes the most sense to me.. I mean I really am a pessimist sometimes and an incorrigible optimist at times. But the only way I know any of those can be right is when things work my way. I guess what I am trying to say is that probably find that balance or a way out so that we finally head towards the solution we deserve.. And as always, – easier said than done :)
It is true that the person who sees the best of the outcomes even if the hopes are not likely, one of my friend once told me that “you can easily swim in the direction of the flow of river, but real fight is when you should swim against the flow”. This is something which always remains in my mind and makes me optimistic.
Indeed Alok.. I think it is a very smart advice and it is really easy to swim along with the current and the max it takes us to is the waterfall or an emotional downfall if I may paraphrase it. The easy way out is most likely to be the toughest path and quite simply leads us to disaster with an equal amount of ease. It takes a man of might or a depth of character to do that or maybe simply just being stubborn enough to get going no matter how rought the tides seem to be :)
I have perfect examples of both extremes of optimism and pessimism in my life, Vinay. And I make it a point to learn from them and keep myself in check.. Still, in real life it becomes tough.. Having a great partner helps a lot though :)
Having a great partner actually makes your life 99% easier :) and makes you quite optimistic too :)
I couldn’t agree more Alok :)
I think it is a wonderful attitude to have that curiosity and the consceince to set things right.. it surely goes a long way in making our lives simpler and setting things straight..
I completely agree with you, the optimism just rubs off on to us and makes us look at life in a little more balanced perspective..
Fantastic post… loved it especially because am a lover of Cha Cha Cha… :)
Ha ha. Thank you Archana.. The first time I tried cha cha, I simlpy fell for it.. Quite simply cos it is so upbeat and so much of energy that it gets infectious.. Simply love that :)
Well Said…it really is about taking that one step forward when everything around you is pushing you down…..
Thank you mate.. I guess life is like that?! No mattet what we do, something always pushes us down.. And it keeps reminding me of that scene from Rocky – It is not how hard you get hit, but how fast you get back on your feet. I am paraphrasing a lot but I simply love that quote :)
Excess of anything is bad, so is case with optimism or pessimism. Liked your balanced approach :)
Thank you Ravish.. I guess that is the trick for everything isn’t it? Everything and everything in a bit of moderation :)
Wow.. though I am an optimistic most of the times… okay 50/50 .. (conscience is such a nagging thing !) … I am amazed by the beautiful optimism of the quote . Its so well said and you have weaved a nice thought provoking post around it Vinay! Yes even I think realists are sort of pessimists with a logic !
I would personally like to be an optimist who takes calculated risks :p but do remember I am weak in mathematics so …. :)
Ha ha ha :D .. 50/50?! I like those odds. I’m actually more of a 25-75. I am only a 25% optimist I guess. I mean I really think a lot before taking a decision and finally realize that it has so many odds and still go ahead with it. Maybe it makes me more than 25 but I would really like to reduce on the negative thinking bit slightly atleast so that life becomes even more simpler.. Well I guess you can never have too much of a good thing :). But till then, cha cha it is :)
What a great quote to start with! A though provoking post on optimism. Those who can see the underlying good when something bad happened to them are real strong and insightful. It requires confidence and faith to be an optimist.
Thank you Moon Roy :).. Being an optimist really is hard work. It is very unfortunate and I get a little pissed when people call them happy go lucky. There is so much more to them :)