I am compelled to write this article about the power of optimism given our current economic climate and the pervasive insecurity I feel from my co-workers in my current work environment. I recently gave a keynote speech to a group of college employees in Seattle and felt a lack of optimism that would be unhealthy for any organization. Our own governor, who I have met on more than one occasion and who I respect deeply, recently gave the most down-beat analysis on our economy that I have ever heard from a sitting governor. I respectfully dissent. From challenges come great opportunity.

I am by nature an optimist, and understand that optimists rule the world for a reason. They provide hope: the “can-do” attitude that brings us from the bottom. Optimists, studies show, create and do, and thus, lead us from the depths of any recession.

Why do optimists succeed? There are several reasons. First, it is clear from the research: expectations affect outcomes. If you believe, things will tend to find that belief to be true. There was a study in California where teachers were told that one group had tested high and would be “educational bloomers.” A second group did not test so well and would probably fail. In the end, that’s what happened. The “Bloomers” did significantly better than the “Slackers” in terms of grades and class performance. The problem: there was no test! And the two groups were set up to be exactly equal in terms of intelligence and prior performance. The only thing different was the belief of the instructors. And those beliefs became true!

Another truth is that optimists tend to create and solve difficulties because they believe “they can.” Pessimists lack hope so don’t “waste their time” trying to find a solution. I hire for optimism for this reason. I want people who believe in and seek success. I want them because they achieve.

I am currently entertaining getting into a real estate business in addition to my other various ventures. Why? Because in a down market, there is retrenchment and those that survive will come out with a lesser number of “suppliers” with increasing demand. In every business I have been involved with, I have increased market share during a recessionary period. Think about that.

In addtion, studies show optimists live longer (7.5 years on average), are more successful (see the MetLife study and the debt collectors study), and are less stressed and healthier (the UCLA/UK law school studies) than pessimists or the population as a whole.

In my next blog, I will make two other “closing arguments” in favor of being an optimist. But as I noted here, it is clear: expectations do affect outcomes. Beliefs do matter. You will live longer, be healthier, less stressed and more successful as an optimist. Try it. You will not be disappointed.