I often tell my executive coaching clients that all self confident people have three things in common.

• Self confident people are optimistic.

• Self confident people face their fears and deal with them.

• Self confident people surround themselves with positive people.

When I was a young guy, I participated in the Optimist International oratory contest. The topic that year was, "Optimism, Youth's Greatest Asset;" which is hard enough for a ninth grader to say, (Think Joe Pesci in My Cousin Vinnie.) let alone to write and deliver a 10 minute talk . It was a great experience for me; one that gave me some of the confidence I needed to become a professional speaker.

Optimist International is a great service organization. Their mission is to bring out the best in kids; and to help them develop to their full potential by providing hope and positive vision.
The Optimist Creed is their touchstone. It some of the best common sense advice I've ever seen. I have a copy of it posted in my office. This is the first in a series of eleven articles on how to apply The Optimist Creed in your life and career.

The Optimist Creed

Promise Yourself:

• To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

• To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.

• To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.

• To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.

• To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.

• To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.

• To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

• To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.

• To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.

• To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

I believe that if you follow this common sense advice, you will not only become a more self confident and optimistic person, you will become a success in your career and life. In the remaining ten articles in this series, you'll find my thoughts on how to apply The Optimist Creed in your life.

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