The Optimist’s Creed

by Christian D. Larson

 

This wonderful "Optimist Creed" was written by Christian Larson for his 1912 book: "Your Forces and How to Use Them".  In 1922 it was adopted by "Optimist International" for their official creed.  I hope it gives you hope and inspiration for a happier way of living and being.

 

Please don't feel that you have to achieve this all at once. No one can do it perfectly right off the bat.  It's a goal that we're aiming for and gradually becoming.  So take a step-by-step approach and each day try to do it a little better.  Now here's the:

 

Optimist's 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 worthwhile 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 expression at all times

and give a smile to every living creature you meet.

To give so much time to improving 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.

To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world

not in loud word, but in great deeds.

To live in the faith that the whole world is on your side,

so long as you are true to the best that is in you.