I have always considered myself an optimist, initially because it was simply a superior attitude to possess instead of pessimism. I encountered a different angle on this topic after hearing an interview with Dr. Richard Wiseman, author of The Luck Factor on the Tim Ferris Podcast (Episode #593), and took the next step and bought the book to see if I “tested” as an optimist based on all of the research. As it turns out, and to no surprise of mine, I did. Many of the queries and habits associated with “luck” were routines I had been practicing most of my life. It is simply a mindset of positivity, hopefulness, and not overreacting towards misfortune, temporary setback, or a flat out dead end.

 

As I’m writing this lesson I am traveling in Japan and have a particularly perfect example to share about optimism and how it worked out in what seemed like a desperate situation. Mountaineering has always been a hobby of mine, so coming to Japan automatically meant I was going to climb Mount Fuji, it’s highest peak. Ordinarily, I would engage in a lot of research for this kind of endeavor, but it’s a relatively low peak (12,300 feet), and considered “a walk up”in the climbing world, meaning you simply hike it; nothing technical. I did some preliminary research for the logistics of getting to the town at the base, and I assumed I would be all set. Wrong. It turns out in 2024, for the first time known in the history of Japan, during the months of July and August, the government set up a gate at the base of the mountain monitored by police which is only open from 4AM until 4PM, and can only be passed through by bus, taxi, or bicycle. (No rental cars). Now, you may ask what the problem is. The thrill of this mountain, and many others, is to be at the top for the sunrise. The 4AM gate opening precluded that, given that sunrise in July was at about 4:30AM. Next, was the transportation issue. Buses didn’t start leaving the local base town until 7:30AM, and included a 1 hour loop. Taxis also did not begin leaving until about the same time. So, after asking at every information and ticket counter possible and calling the taxi dispatch, I was consistently told that asking for a 3:30AM taxi pick-up was not possible. I headed to my lodging for the night, trying to keep my mind from wondering what else could go wrong. Upon arrival to the lodging self-check in, I was unable to navigate through the iPad screens and forms and kept getting the same error message, which ultimately did not allow me to check-in and have access to my room. I had to leave a message for the manager. Five minutes later, I got a call back, but we still couldn’t solve the check-in issue on the iPad. She arrived 10 minutes later and we finally solved it. I shared my struggle to get on the mountain for a sunrise summit, and even get an early taxi. She asked who I spoke to and after hearing the list, she proposed calling a taxi agency she thought could do the job. Long story short, I was in a taxi the next morning at 4AM, watched the sunrise over cloud wisps rising from the mountain range, and was at the top 2 hours and 40 minutes later with a crystal clear view. It was perfect enough. Had I simply given up to defeat, I would have gone home with no mountain climbing experience, and wasted two days of travel.

 

Unshakeable optimism takes time to develop. One of the most useful exercises I have engaged in is to make a short mental list of experiences that I thought were going to end terribly. Then, I revisit them with outcome that actually happened. None actually ended horribly. In fact, all were either neutral or were followed by notable good fortune.

 

Now, optimism doesn’t mean blind faith. It comes with deliberate intention, preparation (sometimes years), and will. It also doesn’t mean tragedy doesn’t happen. It does. That is what I call the absurdity of life, and that is a topic entirely separate from having an attitude of optimism govern your life and be a beacon for others.

 

The Exercise

For this exercise, write down three experiences you are grateful for. Reflect on them, and specifically acknowledge the good fortune, “luck”, and positive mindset you possessed with each of those experiences. Afterwards write down one experience that matters deeply to you that you are seeking. Tell yourself it will happen no matter what, and you will do what it takes to allow it to happen. Keep this as a mindset each day, and be sure to take practical and deliberate steps to create this reality.