Some folks see the glass as half full. Some see it as half empty. Some see something in the glass and drink it.
“Eat, drink, and be merry!” they say.
If we’re talking about a nice glass of wine, it won’t sit on my table for long before it becomes totally empty. But if we’re talking about my outlook on life, I’m a pretty optimistic guy. Even when I was the CEO of Prologis at a time when it was on the brink of bankruptcy, I almost always had hope that we’d turn things around.
I’m convinced that the best leaders are optimistic. But in today’s world, it’s easy to adapt a cynical mindset that leads to pessimism and, eventually, destruction.
Here are three keys to ward off cynicism:
Keep Good Company. 
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Surround yourself with people who tell you the truth, even when it’s not pleasant, but who also always want to be part of the solution. Some people are great at identifying problems, but they stop with the obvious: Something’s broken. Good company shares your optimistic outlook and works to make good things happen.
Know Your History. tweet this
I don’t know anyone without some reason to feel blessed. I’ve meet people facing incredibly difficult situations who will tell you how great they have it. They have gotten through trials before and they know they’ll get through them again. When you drive, you spend most of your time looking through the front windshield. But it’s helpful to glance back occasional to remind yourself that you’ve successfully covered some rocky roads.
Share Your Future. tweet this
As a leader, you have a vision for where you want your team to go. Share it. Not just at the occasional meeting, but every day in as many ways as possible. Your actions, as well as your words, should reflect your sense of optimism in your vision for the future.
