Think, Hope, or Believe

I was asked recently if I think a highly desired outcome would happen. The question got me thinking about the subject of thought (reasoning), hope (wish), and belief (confidence) and which is the best predictor or preparation for an outcome.

As an optimist by nature I tend to believe in positive outcomes, particularly in matters involving right and wrong, or good or evil. I'm built that way. I read somewhere recently that people with even an unrealistic positive view tend to be right more often in part because they influence the outcome in that direction. Positivity creates good results because it influences people to those ends.

I also admit that I have never understood negative people or skeptics. Who would want to live expecting the worst in all things and situations?

Next there is rational thought to assess the likely outcome. That is an equally tricky one in that it is based on knowing all the possible variables and having a large amount of experience to determine the results.

To be continued...

2008 New Year's Resolutions

Happy New Year 2008! I saw the Waterford crystal ball drop in Times Square albeit on TV and after waking up from a food-induced nap. I must be getting old because I think I then went to bed at about 12:15 AM. No celebrating for me last night. The dinner of King Crab Legs and Steak that Linda and I made pretty much assured I wouldn't be light on my feet for dancing away the night. I have to ask, how good is clarified butter (OMG!)

This is the day for setting forth the resolutions that will guide me through the new year. Of course I want to make this year different, better, and more special than any previous year and supposedly that begins with resolutions to make some changes, to do things differently, and to improve certain things. No blaming problems on others for me.

The problem is, where do I begin? Maybe categories for resolutions is the right place to start. Making sure not to be overly ambitious would help promote success. How about the following resolution categories:

• family
• work
• personal
• community
• society

Of course each of these could break into other sub-categories but I will resist getting overly optimistic. After all, having a few resolutions that I accomplish would be better than having many that don't last through the month of January.

I'll start with this set of categories and create a few specific resolutions within each. More to follow but for now I need to go help with breakfast... (to be continued)