For a refresher, the Optimist Creed follows:
Promise Yourself
To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind
To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet
To make all your friends feel that there is something in them
To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true
To think only of the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future
To were a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile
To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
Written by Christian Larson, the Optimist Creed was adopted by Optimist International in 1922 and is the single most unifying force for Optimist Clubs around the world. While the leaders often speak of finding a flagship program in order to engage others, I wonder why. Spreading optimism around the world seems like a flagship program to me. In fact, others like journalist Gretchen Rubin and Tony Hsieh, CEO, Zappos.com are doing something similar by sharing happiness. In England, a national movement was launched just last year to promote Action for Happiness. They say, "Doing good feels good." I agree.
Are optimism and happiness the same thing? Not exactly, but optimism - the act of thinking positive thoughts - will lead to happiness. Thinking of good things will make you happier; and when you are happy, it's easy to look at the sunny side of everything. That's optimism; what a great way to live!
Go ahead, take just a moment and read the Optimist Creed aloud and tell me if you don't agree.