Optimism

“Both optimists and pessimists contribute to society. The optimist invents the aeroplane, the pessimist the parachute.”

— George Bernard Shaw, Nobel Prize in Literature (1856-1950)

I have to admit, by nature I’m an optimist. Optimists see the glass half full, pessimists see it half empty, while someone with OCD sees it and says “Hey, who dirtied another glass!” I tend to always see and anticipate the good in others. To the pessimist, I may be foolish for always assuming the best in anyone or in any situation. Don’t know that I could function well in any other kind of world. Throughout my long life I have seen the best and worst in individuals which has led me to believe most people mean well, but in their effort to maintain their own idea of happiness they may be over zealous in protecting themselves from the worst in any one or any thing. 

Here’s a simple test to tell which of the two mental attitudes is your predominant one, when you reach for a rose, do you anticipate the fragrance or the thorn?

I do understand we should have a balance of pessimism and optimism to properly weigh the consequences of our decisions and condition ourselves to avoid being too quick to expect the worst in others or the best in others. I prefer to live in a world where I see the best in any situation rather than the worst because it keeps me in a positive and cheerful mood rather than feeling the doom and gloom of possible things to come. I believe optimism is a gift and has been like a super power that has carried me through the worst moments of my life by allowing me to count on the positive things that others may interpret as not being in touch with my own reality. I look at optimism as a gift because it presents itself during difficult moments to help me focus on the positive things my misfortune can lead me to if I choose to unwrap and use this perfectly-timed present.

We all have a little idealist and cynic in us and we know inherently which one we tend to favor. As optimists, we may even consider our mental attitude as the lesser of the two but that’s only pessimism making its presence known. I think optimist see things differently because by nature they have learned to be more tolerant and hopeful out of necessity. A pessimist may have learned the same way and considers the optimist as not being realistic for failing to prepare for the worst case scenario. Bottom line is we need both types in our lives. If you’re an optimist, you need the pessimist to stay grounded and prepare for the “what if’s” and if you’re a pessimist, you need the optimist to take you to heights you never knew you could achieve.

It’s not just about being hopeful that good things will happen but there is also a confidence, not wishful thinking, in knowing good things CAN happen. Optimists also tend to allow more room for others to make, and learn from their own mistakes. Studies show optimism causes you to expect a brighter future and can be a learned response in any adverse situation.

A number of studies also list the following five benefits of being an optimist:

1. They live longer, up to a decade longer

2. Have better love lives, even when only one partner in the relationship is an optimist

3. Are more successful, outselling pessimistic thinkers by 88%

4. Take fewer sick days and are more likely to rate their symptoms as manageable

5. Bounce back faster and stronger and use failure as fuel to perform even better in the future.

Don’t be too quick to downplay the benefits that come with either of these subjective approaches, even if it conflicts with the outcome you expect. So keep your chin up, yes all of them, and remember this; good times won’t last forever, and neither will the bad times.

Giving

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.”

— Charles Dickens

I’ve heard one interpretation of life as you’re either coming out of a stressful situation or you’re heading into one. Another is ‘stressed’ spelled backwards is ‘desserts’. Whichever approach you take, none of us are immune to those seasons in our lives where we are experiencing our own crisis or being affected by someone else’s. There are ways to relieve stress but most provide only temporary comfort. A favorite drink, food, exercise, or a rousing game of Twister may provide a small escape from those disturbing periods in our lives. Here’s a remedy that provides a contagious reaction and a lifelong payback...

Give. 

I was listening to a doctor on television talk about the following health benefits when you “give” during times of stress; 

First, you feel happy. Giving activates regions of the brain associated with pleasure, social connection, trust, and creates a “warm glow” effect. Scientists believe altruistic behavior releases endorphins in the brain, producing the positive feeling known as the “helper’s high.” 

Giving is good for your health. Research suggests that one reason giving may improve physical health and longevity is that it helps decrease stress. People who provide social support to others have lower blood pressure than those who don’t, suggesting a direct physiological benefit to those who give of themselves. 

Giving promotes cooperation and social connection. Several studies by sociologists have suggested that when you give to others, your generosity is likely to be rewarded by others down the line—sometimes by the person you gave to, sometimes by someone else. 

Giving evokes gratitude. The Research Project on Gratitude and Thankfulness, found that teaching college students to “count their blessings” and cultivate gratitude caused them to exercise more, be more optimistic, and feel better about their lives overall. 

I know these results could be based on controlled environments or researchers trying to justify their funding, but I’d like to share my own experience that supports these studies and brings a smile and good health to my bones. I was standing in line at a CVS drugstore behind a young boy of about eleven years old who was holding a few individual candies which he carefully placed on the cash register conveyor belt. He watched with a controlled excitement as he anticipated the deliciousness waiting for him just outside the door. As he did this, he noticed a big bag of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups strategically placed in the checkout line calling out to him like a Siren to a sailor. He carefully took it from the display and placed it with the few candies he had already picked out. 

The cashier rang up his cost and as he pulled out a hand full of change from his pocket, he realized he didn’t have enough money to pay for his treasure of sweet guilty pleasures. He held up each bag as he tried to decide which would be the sacrificial confection he would be forced to surrender. I whispered to the cashier “just put the difference on my charge”. She seemed surprised and this young boy was visibly appreciative and could only look at me like I was some sort of Robin Hood for the candy-less and say “thank you mister!” It was a memorable moment of sensing a good deed was done, in spite of what a fanatical dentist would’ve recommended. The cashier gave me a friendly smile and rang up my purchases. 

It came out to some dollars and a few quarters, I handed her the bills and reached into my pocket to grab the difference, she said with a wide grin “don’t worry about the change.” 

Without trying to be impressive, I had become contagious and infected someone with kindness. The point of this story isn’t to toot my own horn, it’s only to prove what age old wisdom and current studies tell us. When times are stressful and you want a remedy that will inspire and revive generosity in others, consider kind words, extra time, or loose change to touch someone else’s life. Giving and other acts of kindness fortifies hope and faith in others and ultimately helps me be the kind of man I admire.

Fear

“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”

— Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, Former President of South Africa (1918-2013)

Listen men, embrace the fact that fear is a necessary part of our daily lives. Our make-believe superheroes tell us “real men know no fear” which is so easy to say and believe when you’re living in their fantasy world. In actuality, fear is the real world superhero sidekick we all need to have in our lives. Fear stands with us and warns us of the consequences we may create from our actions or inactions. Fear compels us towards self-preservation to keep us from taking unnecessary risks that may cause injury or something worse. Fear drives the desire for protecting long term relationships by preventing us from doing anything to jeopardize those alliances. Fear provides a motivating factor that will keep you working towards preserving what you already have, as well as striving for better things in life. Fear of the unknown forces us to be more strategic in our planning to ensure a beneficial future for ourselves and others.

Our response to fear may be an instinctual reaction conditioned from our past or may even be a passion you were meant to fulfill as a firefighter, police officer, soldier and any other perilous call of duty. As a child, I know I was fearful of many things, which is good because at that time I didn’t have the brawn or the brains to get me out of any sort of dangerous situations I’d put myself into. As I grew into a young man, the testosterone was what spoke louder than common sense and I shudder when I look back at what could’ve happened if not for the grace of God. In my latter years, I am much clearer now on the role that fear has in my life and how I can now leverage that emotion to make me a better man. I have learned to “run towards the roar” and not run from it. 

I recently discovered that a lion does not actually hunt his own meal, he uses the lioness to make the kill. The lion will roar to frighten the prey into running away and right into the ambush of the lioness. What does that tell me? When moments of fear presents itself, I must be careful of the knee-jerk reaction I use to respond to the perceived threat. Do my actions “run from the roar” which could lead to finding myself way off course from where I wanted to be and make matters worse? Or do I find myself running towards the roar and facing my fears head on like a brave man and avoid the ambush that waits beyond the lion’s roar. 

If we don’t face our fears, whether new or old ones, they will continue to drive us away from developing the courageous character that others will need from us at an appointed time. It occurred to me while remembering the story of David and Goliath, that David’s ability to pinpoint that one stone to puncture Goliath’s skull right between the eyes was not a miraculous event granted by God. If you remember the story of David, before his first experience in battle, he was just a young shepherd who used his sling and stones to chase away predators to protect his sheep. The daily training with his sling enabled him to prepare for that one moment in time that changed the course of Israel, and his destiny as their King.

As I look back over my life, I can say without a doubt, the fears that I ran from caused the most damage to my character and confidence. But the fear I ran towards were the ones that rewarded me with results that have enriched my journey to become more courageous in my role as a man. Fear can lock you into your own personal prison of missed opportunities and regrets. It will also rob you of the exhilaration you will experience conquering the “Goliaths” in your own life. 

Self Importance

“Self importance is our greatest enemy. Think about it, what weakens us is feeling offended by the deeds and misdeeds of our fellowmen. Our self importance requires that we spend most of our lives offended by someone.”

— Carlos Castaneda.

This quote has always resonated with me. I don’t know about you, but I for one struggle with the right balance of a healthy self-respect for myself, and being a humble and patient man when others intentionally offend me. In my mind, the Clint Eastwood in me wants to light a stick of dynamite with my cigar and toss it at the offender while I walk off into the sunset but the rational side of me genuinely wants to respond like the real life heroes in my life by being a classic gentleman and just count it as a moment of weakness in the person’s character. I’m torn between standing my ground and showing some backbone while my cape blows in the wind like Superman, or being the mild mannered Clark Kent who exudes self-control and knows how to bridle his strength. 

For men, confidence and self-respect are traits of masculinity that are promoted and encouraged as a badge of honor and admired by others when displayed in the right context. It’s no wonder why us men earnestly pursue these attributes though we may stumble and miss the target of our intent. Real confidence for me starts with being honest with myself in knowing the limitations of my character and abilities and not masking or minimizing my own flaws.

My self-respect is defined by who I am behind closed doors and not who I am when others are around. I continually conduct my own mental debrief after situations that don’t turn out too well and usually find the common denominator is my exaggerated sense of self-importance. If I’m honest with myself, it’s much easier to blame others for their lack of consideration, sensitivity or social graces. Accusing others for my own actions will always leave me suffering as the victim and leaves me helpless to change. My feelings get hurt, I respond selfishly, I get the same reaction from the offender and then I wonder why things never change. It’s the proverbial flawed condition of humanity of hitting your thumb with a hammer because it feels good when you stop.

Self-importance always carries a presumption that others will treat me as I think I should be treated and it always disappoints. Self-importance makes me even more vulnerable to the things I’m trying so hard to avoid like hurt feelings, being taken for granted, not taken seriously, resentful of others, the list goes on. On the other hand, being humble and unpretending gives me a healthy approach in relationships by reminding me of my own weaknesses to respond with the dignity and sensitivity I seek from others because our failings are similar. 

When I take a step back and allow more room for others to make mistakes, I find that increase in tolerance gives me much more capacity to find forgiveness and acceptance for them and for myself. When I think my sense of self-importance is a proficiency that has facilitated any type of success, I must remember all strengths become a weakness when they’re overused. Self-importance can be a poison to my character which numbs my ability to love, to be content and to use my common sense.

As I see it, if I have to tell others how important I am, then I’m not as important as I think I am. The bottom line is to not take yourself so seriously, see your physical therapist and have them adjust your funny bone so you can find more to laugh about, starting with yourself. I realize this may seem elementary and just a “band-aid” remedy for much deeper issues, but even a band-aid starts the healing process. As I walk my journey to be a better man, I must choose to swallow my pride as I would a foul tasting, yet life saving medicine so I am fully restored to make the necessary changes to be the man I’ve always wanted to be. 

Anger

“If you do not wish to be prone to anger, do not feed the habit; give it nothing which may tend to its increase. ”

— Epictetus Roman (Greek-born) slave & Stoic philosopher (55 AD - 135 AD)  

It’s amazing how fragile our egos can be as men. You can be having a great day and then someone says or does the wrong thing and “poof” you’re angry! I remember years ago, I was sitting in a bar having a drink, minding my own business when some guy sits down next to me and starts questioning my masculinity! I got so mad I wanted to throw my wine spritzer in his face but didn’t want to waste a drink and the tiny paper umbrella on that bozo.

I get together with my friends regularly for breakfast and one of the most common points of discussion is how we tend to handle ‘anger’ as men. When do you cross the line from having a legitimate reason for anger to an over-reactive display of bravado? Why is it sometimes easier to respond in a calm and peaceful tone with strangers than with those we are more intimate with? Are “slow burns” of anger worse than sudden outbursts? 

Each answer comes with an extensive set of circumstances but studies show that as men, our anger is more abstract such as when we’re cut off in traffic, when objects aren’t working correctly, and with larger social issues that prompt concerns about right and wrong. Whereas women’s anger is likely triggered by their close relationships; they feel let down by family members and friends, or they feel that these people expect too much of them without anything in return. Although men and women can be irritated for these same reasons, as men, our anger reacts quicker to external situations than a women’s anger does. 

Now there is absolutely nothing wrong with anger, it’s just as necessary as courage, love, compassion, loyalty and other virtues. Anger is part of our survival instincts that responds to perceived threats. It causes our body to release adrenaline, our muscles to tighten, and our heart rate and blood pressure to increase. Our senses might feel more acute and our face and hands can become flushed. However, unless you’re in a life and death situation, its easy to find ourselves over-reacting, therefore weakening the purpose of this virtue if we continually exaggerate with what should be an otherwise rational response. 

But as with other character values, they can be exaggerated and become counter-productive. Think about it, you can be overly courageous and fall by the sword for being reckless. You can love so much that it dilutes itself into neglecting your own needs in order to sustain a relationship. You can be so loyal that you become blinded when the principles and standards that deserve your allegiance are no longer there. 

So how do we manage our anger? Do we all need extensive therapy? The good news is studies indicate there are really only three ways to respond to moments of outrage. 

Expression:  The act of conveying your anger ranging from a reasonable, rational discussion to a violent outburst.

Suppression: This is an attempt to hold in your anger and possibly convert it into more constructive behavior. Suppressing anger, however, can cause you to turn your anger inward on yourself or express your anger through passive-aggressive behavior.

Calming down: This is when you control your outward behavior and your internal responses by calming yourself and letting your feelings subside.

As men, our anger can be exaggerated if we lack the ability to handle conflict any other way but by being spontaneous, so we default down the path of least resistance which is unrefined anger, emotion without discipline. Controlling anger is actually very easy. What makes it difficult is when we allow feelings to “feed the fire”. 

Next time an occasion arises that makes you angry, ask yourself this; how would you respond if you were being filmed and recorded as evidence of your innocence in a court of law. If you knew there was a higher power you had to answer to then you have found a firm foundation to express your anger the way it was intended; to right a wrong, or to examine your own reactions to make you a better man.  

Fighting With Love

“We do not rise to the level of our expectations. We fall to the level of our training.”

— Archilochus (680-645 BC)

Although I was a young teenager during the Vietnam war, people often ask if I ever served in the military. I say no, but I did get all my combat experience during my first marriage. Of course I’m looking for a cheap laugh, but there really is some truth to it. Learning how to fight, whether in war or peace, is the prerequisite to winning any conflict because battles are won in training and not on the battlefield. A fighter, soldier or champion doesn’t win by shear muscle or determination but by the hours, weeks, months and years they spend preparing for action.

Our battles as men don’t have to be physical or competitive to require a regimented discipline to be victorious, but we still need to continually develop the discipline of our internal character so we don’t get caught up in the heat of a moment by saying or doing something we’ll regret. 

Regardless of the type of conflict, training and self-control is critical to averting the escalation of emotions that can make matters worse. Unless you’ve trained yourself to “fight”, then it’s easy to get caught up in the emotional turbulence when destructive accusations and frustrations are flying from every direction like trailers in a tornado. 

The first rule of battle is stick to your training and your battle plan or you will be vulnerable to defeat. The defeat of your dignity, integrity, and self-respect. So what is the one crucial element needed to prevent the failure of character you work so hard to maintain and want others to admire?

Love. 

Now hear me out, I don’t mean the love most think of as mushy, passive, or submissive. I mean the omnipotence of a love that compels you to give up your life for another. The love that forgives to protect a relationship. A love that is an action and never an emotion. I’m talking about real love, not the love that is only felt when everything is going your way.

As I look to foundational truths to guide my behavior, I look to the historical biblical writings of 1st Corinthians, chapter 13 which describes authentic love. “Love is patient, love is kind. It is not easily angered and keeps no record of wrongs, etc.” Nowhere in this description of love does it say “Love FEELS patient, love FEELS kind” nor does love FEEL anything else for that matter. We have it backwards, feelings are not the trigger that determines our actions but merely the byproduct of the actions we choose. Choose to fight with the power of love.

What about those who are difficult to love? It’s a choice. As you “lift” heavier burdens, you build the strength and stamina needed to be able to conquer the bigger issues in life. Unless you use the correct technique (1st Corinthians 13) you will never rise to the occasion, but only fall to the level of your training. Your commitment to prepare will determine your ability to defend your territory, and your territory as a man of honor would be your significant other, or children, or friendships, or anyone else who is worth protecting and fighting for. 

What if you don’t feel the emotion needed to respond in love? My friend, these are your moments of growth towards being a better man. It is then you will be at the perfect place to experience what it is to truly love without the impulsive emotion to compel you to be patient, humble, calm, and many other admirable attributes. The most powerful demonstration of your love will be when it’s done by will and not by emotion.

Cyrus the Great (600-530 BC) said: “Soft lands breeds soft men; wondrous fruits of the earth and valiant warriors grow not from the same soil” meaning that unless we as men learn to struggle through, and overcome our own battles, we become and perpetuate soft men. Is that the legacy you want?

“When love is acted out and not compelled by emotion is when true love takes root.”  - Dennis Munoz