Becoming A Pragmatic Optimist
- Aug 8, 2022
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 8, 2024
Written by: Tara Sutorius, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
In my last article in early 2022, I shared my perspective on the importance of focusing on mission-critical versus nice-to-have. Full disclosure: I kept doing all the things and not taking my own coaching guidance. Gulp. I was drowning and it was only February. Completely overwhelmed with my beautiful overflowing cup, I could feel a potential burnout around the corner.
I quickly realized that if I did not start saying “no” and postponing some projects, like my writing, I would not have the mental space to feel inspired to think creatively and share authentic in-depth leadership and coaching content. My misplaced optimism and the “art of anything is possible” attitude was getting the better of me. I was exhausted.
Fast-forward six months ‒ after some deep reflection ‒ I realize that by letting time pass, more inspiration has come to me organically. I have opted to look at my writer’s block with a more realistic view and trust deeply that I would be able to put pen to paper once again. It was a solid pragmatic decision.
So here I sit on a rainy August afternoon, after having spent a glorious week off at my family cottage, feeling rested, rejuvenated, and ready to share some thoughts on the benefits of pragmatic optimism.
Let’s start with unpacking the differences between a pragmatist and an optimist and see how the two can join to make a beautiful duo.
Being Pragmatic:
A pragmatic individual will respond to life in a realistic and sensible manner
A pragmatist’s approach is one that is practical
Being pragmatic happens in the present moment by taking a solid realistic look at what is happening
Being optimistic:
An optimistic individual looks to the future with great confidence and hope
An optimist is a dreamer that believes there will be a good outcome no matter what challenges come their way
The optimist trusts that people are inherently good and have good intentions
My case study:
I added unnecessary pressure to myself by always being hopeful and optimistic and saying “yes” to every exciting opportunity. This affected my health because I believed I could get it all done. You would think I would have learned my lesson with my previous burnouts, but life has a funny way of knocking you over the head, again and again, when you don’t listen the first and second time.
You see, once again, I was completely over-committed, and my physical health was suffering. Instead of writing weekly, I grudgingly decided to get my pre-COVID body back and hit the gym after an 18-months hiatus. Realistically I knew I was in a season where my physical-self needed healing to write with purpose and feel creative again.
The tipping point:
With a gentle but firm nudge from my inner voice, I decided to take a pragmatic yet hopeful look at my self-imposed “to-do” list. I could postpone projects. I could say “no”. This did not mean that the opportunities would not show up again in the future. In fact, they very possibly would show up again in a better way at a better time. This was foreign to me. I was experiencing pragmatic optimism. And guess what? It worked!
What happens when optimism meets pragmatism?
When you blend realism and hope – you get pragmatic optimism.
Pragmatism boldly reminds you that change is always around the corner, and it takes hard work to implement, while optimism gently gifts your faith in your ability to make the change happen.
As an accredited coach, I guide others to find solutions to coping with overwhelm and life transition by creating greater alignment and intention in their life. Over the last six months, I had the privilege of coaching myself by looking in the mirror and adjusting my perspective. What helped me a great deal was adopting the mental model of pragmatic optimism. It’s not perfect, no life approach is, but it suits me well at this stage in my human evolution.
What do you choose?
I hope sharing my struggles helps, heals, or inspires you dear reader with your personal leadership journey. You always have a choice.
Glass half full – optimist
Glass half empty – pessimist
Bottoms up – pragmatic
Combo of 1 and 3 with a side of fun!
Tara Sutorius, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
As a certified professional coach trained with Erickson International Coaching, Barrett Values Centre and Career Joy, as well as an accredited PCC-level coach with the International Coach Federation (ICF), Tara Sutorius specializes in helping individuals better understand their personal core values so they may live a more purpose-driven life in alignment with what is most important to them in their personal and professional lives.
Tara is also the Director of Corporate Communications at Export Development Canada (EDC) and the founder of “Tara Sutorius Coaching and Wellness” – a coaching company offering compassionate, transformational and values-based personal leadership, career and wellness coaching. Working alongside senior leaders in both the private and public sector for over 20 years, Tara has a keen sense of what is required to be able to connect with one’s personal and professional leadership mission in order to effect meaningful change over the long-term and build greater resiliency both at home and at work.
What Tara loves most about coaching is helping guide individuals through powerful questioning and transformational conversations. Her coaching style is compassionate, action-oriented, motivational, connected and intuitive. She can help guide you to better align your values with your dream job, clarify your passions, set clear goals and take greater ownership of your career and overall wellness.
