Cynics get to be right, optimists get to be rich

Someone called me delusional the other day - it was meant as a light hearted joke, but for some reason it weighed on me a little bit.

It made me zoom out and question whether I was actually deluded, or if I was just optimistic.

I’ve been re-learning how to horse ride over the last 6 weeks, and yes, I’m going to relate horse riding to optimism, mindset, and pushing forwards when things feel shaky (it will all make sense, I promise).

When you’re working with horses, the biggest thing to know is that it’s a balance of trust, leadership, and being sure of yourself (even when you’re not). When you’re riding, you need to look where you want to go. Every part of your body language needs to reflect that.

If you look down while you’re galloping full speed at a jump, you’ll end up on your ass on the ground.

If you see another rider fall off and let it rattle you, your horse will sense your tension, spook, and you’ll probably end up in the dirt too.

If you’re unsure about crossing a river, you’ll follow another horse and rider through that river and follow in their foot steps.

Do you see where this is going?

It’s really easy to be a cynic - scroll through the comments section of social media and you’ll find them in swarms. If you spend too much time there, you’ll probably find these comments start to reflect in your thought patterns.

Cynicism doesn’t build things. It doesn’t push forward. It doesn’t find creative ways to solve problems. Cynicism sits there on a lazy boy recliner in front of the tv, throwing its 2 cents in from afar and blaming everyone around them.

It’s really easy to look at the graveyard of people who have tried and failed before you (also see: failed aussie airlines), but can I encourage you to look for people who have achieved amazing things? Analyse them, learn from them, consume what they consume, dm them, see if you can spend time with them.

Maybe you’ll find their secret sauce is that they’re a little delusional?

“A pattern I’ve noticed in successful people:

They’re all a little bit delusional about their abilities. Not arrogant. Just unreasonably optimistic about what they can figure out. While everyone else is listing reasons why something won’t work, they’re already trying it. Half the time they’re wrong. But the other half changes their life.”

Apply this quote however you see fit. Also, let me know how you’re applying it!

Thanks for tuning into my first newsletter, I’m really glad you’re here. 🫶

Until next time!

Larissa

p.s. if you like youtube, I’m also on there. I made a video recently about how i left healthcare & burnout and got into the tech and startup space. as i build this little community, i’ll let you guys guide things moving forward - I want to be as useful as possible.

Ciao for now! x