Once you believe the best about other people it is natural to elicit their best. There is an interesting study in the evolution of workforce management. Over the years, management theory has gone from believing all workers want to shirk their duties and get away with as much as they can – you have to heavily discipline them and guard against indolence – to believing that all workers have a desire to make a difference where they are working and should be incentivized to reach their potential. This paradigm shift reflects the rest of life and our communal ethos. Believing and expecting the best in people and in yourself brings out the best in those around you.
My dog Sandy is a great believer in expecting the best. She looks for the best in everything. She believes she will get a treat every time she comes in the house. She believes she’s going on a walk every time I put on my shoes. She believes she’s going to the bark park every time she hears my keys. These things rarely happen in comparison to her expectations, but she never gives up hoping. She’s pretty sure it’s all going to happen right now. And she is so happy for it. What if we were that simple? Would we be happier? I know that when I am with her and she has that happy, expectant look, I want to be the best dog owner I can be. She makes me feel happy.
Fill yourself with positives: positive people, positive attitudes, and positive actions. These things will drive you forward with momentum and will breed more positives. More positives mean more successes and more happiness. If optimism’s glass is half full, mine is very half full.