The Optimism Advantage: 50 Simple Truths to Transform Your Attitudes and Actions into Results

Chapter 1. Trade Being Your Own Worst Enemy to Become Your Own Best Supporter

"Get busy living, or get busy dying!"

—Morgan Freeman as "Red" in The Shawshank Redemption

Every book has a beginning, so let's start where every book ought to begin—what's in it for you?

I'm assuming that you picked up this book because you want practical insights you can use right away to better your life on and off the job. You want to be affirmed for what you do well, and you want to be better for having invested the time in reading this book.

You also read self-help books to know that you're not alone. You want to know that you're not the only one who struggles with making life work, and you want a few new, tried-and-true insights that you can use to make your life's journey just a little more satisfying and successful.

We're facing some challenging circumstances, and people are looking for positive answers. Every age has its share of struggles, but when the tough times hit, they have a way of getting everyone's attention.

"I prepare for the tough times by reading biographies. It reminds me that famous people never had it easy. Their lives are all stories of people who had to overcome obstacles over and over again. In his first court experience, the judge told Richard Nixon that he was the worst prepared lawyer he'd ever seen. George Patton was dyslexic and graduated last in his class at West Point. They persevered; I have to persevere!"

—Randy Voeltz

Facing continued downsizing and more layoffs, a manager ...