I was a closet optimist...

Flickr photo via KungPaoCajun

 I am grateful for those who set me straight on why we can't get things done.

Their wisdom informs me that we must see the negative side of issues before the positive.

I've learned not to think too much to avoid possibility.      

The pessimism they share keeps me from taking risks that lead down unfamiliar paths.

After all, learning and living should be safe and predictable. Cognitive dissonance makes people feel uncomfortable so we shouldn't cram too many conflicting ideas into our heads.

We don't want to think differently; we just need to stay our course- no extras.

Things are way too intangible outside the box.

I, like everyone else, have encountered people in life who simply refuse to see the bright side. I have been one of these people. They are more often that not very conscientious and responsible people who do what needs to be done, but in a really safe and prescribed way; some might say predictable. These are good people with their own perspective on things and I don't believe they intend to do any harm whatsoever, but their safety inside the box so to speak, can be hindering to themselves and the groups they interact with.

The best book I've read addressing this issue is called "Leadership and Self-Deception- Getting Out of the Box" by the Arbinger Institute.

I'm not going to wax on too much. I just want to recommend this book for those who find themselves seeing why things can't be done before seeing why they can, (and likely should.) I've been guilty as charged, but much less-so since reading this simply stated and very insightful book.

Check it out.