Aspirations and Optimism

Steve BarkleyMarch 2015

Aspirations

…the ability to set goals for the future while maintaining the inspiration in the present to reach those goals.

ImaginationSets goals for the future but does not put forth

the effort to reach those goals.

AspirationsSets goals for the

future and puts forth the effort in the

present to reach those goals.

HibernationHas no goals for the

future and puts forth no effort in the present.

PerspirationWorks hard in the present but has no

goals for the future.

Aspirations Profilehttp://www.qisa.org/framework/aspirations.jsp

High

Low Present/Doing High

Fu

ture

/Dre

am

ing

What is your view of ABILITY?Fixed or Growth

The growth mindset is based on the belief that your basic qualities are things you can cultivate through your efforts. Although people may differ in every which way — in their initial talents and aptitudes, interests or temperaments — everyone can change and grow through application and experience.

Mindset…The New Psychology of Success

Carol Dweck, 2006

My optimism shows when

You know my optimism is low when you see

Power of OptimismAlan Loy McGinnis

Research shows optimism can improve:Health

RelationshipsJob

PerformanceIncome Test Scores

Optimism: a bright and hopeful feeling about life in which one expects things to turn out all right – the belief that there is more good than evil in life.

McGinnis found that optimists

1. Are never surprised by trouble2. Value partial solutions3. Believe they have control over the

future4. Plan for regular renewal5. Have heightened powers of

admiration6. Interrupt their negative trains of

thought

McGinnis found that optimists

7. Are cheerful even when they can’t be happy

8. Have an almost unlimited capacity for stretching

9. Build plenty of love into their lives

10. Share good news

11. Use their imaginations to rehearse success

12. Accept what cannot be changed

Are never surprised by trouble

Worst case scenario

Value Partial

Solution

s

Have Alternatives

Consciously Practice Positiveness

Celebrate

Have Alternatives3. Believe they have control over the future

4. Plan regular renewal

8. Have an almost unlimited capacity for stretching

12. Accept what cannot be changed

Consciously Practice Positiveness

5. Have heightened powers of admiration

6. Interrupt their negative trains of thought

7. Are cheerful even when they can’t be happy

11. Use their imaginations to rehearse success

9. Build plenty of love into their lives

10. Share the good news

Celebrate

VICTIMS

SUSTAINERS

DREAMERS

WINNERS