Optimism Archives - 7 Takeaways

Two Corgis in a coffee shop setting talking with one another over a table. One has their head cradled in their paws showing great interest in what the other is saying.

I Want to Hear More – 7 Takeaways No. 285

Face the silence. Be here, do stuff. Stupidity is special. Optimists live longer. Paper versus ebooks. Most self help is repetitive. Deeply engaged conversationalists.

two people talking with one holding up their hand palm forward to say "no"

A Good No Is an Act of Self-respect – 7 Takeaways No. 273

Everyone hurts. Waiting for happiness. AI fear. All or nothing. Unforgivable reality. Pessimism is a cop-out. Just say no.

a split-screen image: on one side, a hunched-over grumpy figure under a dark cloud, watching doom-laden news on TV; on the other, a vibrant, smiling individual surrounded by books, art supplies, and a laptop—engaged, curious, and hopeful. A plant bridges the sides, thriving on the optimistic side.

The Courage to Be an Optimist – 7 Takeaways No. 243

How to think. Have a good day. Radical optimism. Embracing discomfort. AI fluency. Imposters within. Who’s an asshole?

A detailed photorealistic carved wooden relief artwork of a Japanese lucky cat (Maneki-neko). The relief is finely crafted, showcasing intricate details in the cat's raised paw, facial features, and ornate collar with a bell. The carving includes traditional lucky symbols, such as coins and decorative engravings.

Aren’t We Lucky? – 7 Takeaways No. 222

Just vibe’n. It’ll be OK. Being someone’s person. One of those moments. We’re so lucky. Impressing others. How you do’in?

An artistic depiction of Sisyphus pushing a massive boulder up a steep hill in a traditional woodcarving style.

Consuming What Everyone Else Is Consuming – 7 Takeaways No. 208

Contagious positivity. Be thankful, about more. Writing as therapy. Talking to your “textbook”. Gratitude leads to optimism. Consume outside your bubble. Everyone’s watching.

A whimsical woodcut-style illustration of a gnat curiously looking at a glowing mobile phone screen.

The Attention Span of a Gnat – 7 Takeaways No. 207

Media Literacy. Attention Spans. Memento Mori. Rebel Optimism. Thinking Deeply. Help Someone. Subscribe to People.

A group of people walking past a traditional library. All the people are looking down at their phones, absorbed in their screens, while the library behind them stands mostly unnoticed. The library building is grand and classic, with large columns and a sign that clearly identifies it as a library. The people are dressed in modern, casual clothing, and their attention is entirely on their smartphones. The scene is set in daylight, with a slightly melancholic tone, highlighting the contrast between the focus on digital devices and the neglect of traditional reading spaces.

Reading Is Not As Necessary As It Once Was – 7 Takeaways No. 193

Mud-colored glasses. Playing in the street. Connections are complicated (and important). Telling yourself stories. Dare to see stupid. Does reading matter? (YES!) Taking risks.

Curiosity Is Life’s Superpower – 7 Takeaways No. 186

Making the effort. What’s real? Optimism in spite of it all. Curious? Making friends. Get off the couch. Fallacies are seductive.

An image depicting a jungle explorer, dressed in a practical outdoor outfit including a wide-brimmed hat, using a machete to clear dense foliage in a thick jungle. The explorer is focused and determined, with a look of adventure in their eyes. The jungle around him is lush and vibrant, filled with various shades of green, and the light filters through the canopy above, creating a dappled effect on the ground. This scene captures the essence of exploration and the challenge of navigating through untamed nature.

The Person Who Clears The Path Controls Its Direction – 7 Takeaways No. 170

Following the instructions. Doing the work. The value of curation. Your memory might not be what you think. Politics is disgusting. Can you believe that photo? Optimism as a longevity hack. Reading great content.

Choosing the Right Subject – 7 Takeaways No. 140

Social Media, Wisdom, Career, Optimism, People, Education, Noticing