At Kindling the Flame book signings or workshops, when I discuss the science and wisdom that illustrates the benefits of practical optimism,there are usually a person or two in the room not buying it. I look for those folks - the cynics or skeptics among us. Those who are always looking for the flaws in any system to keep themselves and the tribe safe. From that vantage point it is an understandable choice. Once you’ve read Kindling the Flame Though, you’ll come to learn that practical optimism is an emotional skill that can be adopted and developed. It is well worth your time to consider practical optimism as a low impact, highly cost-effective way to boost your health and entire sense of well-being.

Let me give a short and sweet version for those who may not read the details. Optimism is the ability to envision a positive outcome before it occurs. Now, when you realize that all valuable things were once ideas to be imagined into reality, you will see just one benefit of practical optimism.Another is the ability to bounce back from life’s difficulties. And a third I Shall mention to catch your attention, is to break the cycles of stress experienced in the modern world. Stressors such as traffic, rent hikes, missed emails, uncertainty at work, children safety at schools, feeding your family,or nurturing your soul all create an environment of chronic stress, which researchers have proven to significantly increase a multitude of health risks.

For these reasons, I practice practical optimism all the time, for the big and the little things. My practical optimism runs the gamut from believing there is a parking space waiting for me near my destination, to imagining the wisdom and brilliance of humankind.

As Walt Disney, the playful visionary and practical optimist, soaptly commanded of his team of imagineers:

“Think beyond your lifetime if you want to accomplish something truly worthwhile.” – Walt Disney

Even though we do not yet know how we will figure out the solutions to the pressing issues that face us today, I hold space to imagine that as more humans believe it possible and become optimistic about the genius and nobility of humankind, the path to generating positive solutions is imminent.

So whether you choose to imagine that despite the rain you will still have a great time at the ball game cheering on your team, or that we will find a whole new way to cooperate on this beloved planet despite former grievances,you are a practical optimist. Remember it is ok to not know how yet. Believing it is possible is the courageous first step towards creating your vibrant future.