Top Exec Blog (Web Log)

There are days in this sideways economy, when you feel as though everything is tilted against you, just as there are moments when an email arrives from a long-ago contact, or someone reaches out at just the right instant to make your day. This has happened to me multiple times in the past week or two: a friend flew into the area, called me up, and we had an impromptu business breakfast to catch up on the comings and goings of the big computer company she works for (my former digs); a former colleague sent me a long email about career ideas and suggestions as to whom he could introduce me, in addition to his latest news; a networking contact introduced me to a headhunter who in turn drew me into a career placement that sounds promising.....this list could go on.

At any rate, despite the sideways economy, and the upside down employment market and any number of data points that seem to show the USA on a downward slide, I decided to share the following which came my way about 18 months ago. It came at a time when a long-time employee of a certain network security company was let go, after ten years of service; he and many others were abruptly "separated from service" to satisfy the new masters of that particular firm, which in the blink of a shareholders' vote became a privately-held entity, and for better or worse, slimmed its payroll and eliminated numerous positions. Anyone blind-sided by that event or one like it, knows it is not a pleasant nor inspiring feeling, but one that generates sadness, anger, frustration and many other feelings of being let down, stood up and pushed aside.

Still, despite those feelings, this individual chose to send his good-bye note and finish it off with this. I hope you enjoy it, and keep it in mind, when troubles come your way.

The Optimist’s Creed

 I promise myself…

 To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful expression at all times and give a smile to every living creature I meet.

To give so much time to improving myself that I 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.

To think well of myself and to proclaim this fact to the world, not to loud in words, but in great deeds.

To live in the faith that the whole world is on my side, so long as I am true to the best that is in me.

To be so strong that nothing can disturb my peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person I meet.

To make all my friends feel that there is something worthwhile in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything and make my 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 I am about my own.

*** (adapted from the original "Promise Yourself" from Christian D. Larson, 1912) ***

So, onward and upward, as this year, 2011, winds down. Keep the faith, have faith, believe in yourself and remember that optimism breeds opportunity, which we all seek, cherish, need and deserve no matter how tough things get.

Thanks for reading, and please share your comments here or pass this post along to someone on the road of life who needs a bit of optimism.

© Top Exec Partners, Daniel A. Cabrera, All rights reserved, 2011.