The positive outlook that optimists project does not come from ignoring or denying problems. Optimists simply assume that problems are temporary and can be solved, so optimists naturally want more information about problems because then they can get to work and do something. Pessimists are more likely to believe that there is nothing they can do anyway, so what's the point of even thinking about it?

Sometimes you lose - perhaps because you play against the very best, or because surprises happen - but if there is organizational confidence, you bounce back from losses and convert them to successes.

Everything looks like a failure in the middle.

It is crucial to recognize, reward, and celebrate accomplishments.

People often resist change for reasons that make good sense to them, even if those reasons don't correspond to organizational goals. So it is crucial to recognize, reward, and celebrate accomplishments.

Confidence makes you willing to try harder and attracts the kind of support from others that makes "winning" possible.

I was determined to achieve the total freedom that our history lessons taught us we were entitled to, no matter what the sacrifice.