If you get up in the morning and think the future is going
to be better, it’s a bright day. Otherwise, it’s not.
  ~ Elon Musk

True leaders deal in hope and optimism.

Not the romantic optimism that everything will work out magically and smoothly, but the hope that I can step into my best self; and when I do, then the future looks brighter and full of opportunity.

Maybe a preferable term to optimism is activism.

For activism doesn’t ignore challenges and difficulties, nor does it deny they exist. The activist (or maybe the realistic optimist), knows that it’s going to be work and it’s going to be difficult, but he/she believes in his ability to see things through.

We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.
~ Martin Luther King

Hope is not romantic.

Hope does not suppress or deny.

Hope does not believe in magic.

Hope is a strong expectation or desire for something great to happen. Through strong leadership and strong desire, the ability to create a better future than a now or past.

Hope is life.

For if there is no hope, what do we have left?

If all is hopeless, then what’s the point in continuing?

Look, business, entrepreneurship and life are often hard task-masters. They all hit us with the unexpected. Often completely out of left field.  They make us forget who we are.

We grow the most in the crucible of challenge.
Not picking roses, drinking fine wine, and smelling sweet perfume.

With great hope and faith, the leader continues. Not just when there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, for that takes no hope or strength at all.

Anyone can do that.

True leaders continue and persevere when there is no light; and they convey their strength to all those around them.

The true test of character is not persistence when you see a light
at the end of the tunnel. That’s easy. Anyone can do that.
The true test of character is persistence and commitment when you see no light.

A great leader instills the hope residing within himself into the hearts and minds of others.

While he most likely has his own self-doubts and insecurities about the future, he conveys his hope and strength to his friends, his family, his team and to the world.

How Does It Feel to Lead?

While some may call him a dreamer, the true leader is far from a mere dreamer. He is a doer and creator.

For he knows that to sit around and dream gets you nowhere but living in fantasyland.

This realistic optimism, this big bold activism, faith and hope, invariably leads to all great achievements; and history bears this out.

True leaders lose cynicism, competitiveness, envy, hatred,
jealousy,  selfishness, thoughts of limitation, and lack.
But they never lose hope in a brighter tomorrow.

Hope is the foundation upon which vast empires are built.

In the face of all odds, hope can sustain forward movement and build momentum.

One day, one step at a time.

Lose money, lose dreams, lose face and friends, but true leaders never allow themselves to lose hope.

Be a Leader. Live Your Purpose; and Take Your Power Back!

James