Table of Contents
Praise for The Optimism Advantage
In life we have controllables and uncontrollables. Dr. Terry Paulson does a masterful job in The Optimism Advantage of supporting the thesis that we control our attitude and our actions. Read and study every chapter of this book and you will increase the probability of having a great life of happiness and achievement!
Don Hutson, coauthor of the #1 New York Times Best-Seller, The One Minute Entrepreneur; and CEO of U.S. Learning, Memphis, TN
Terry Paulson is refreshing in that he teaches what he practices. His panoramic view of the research on optimism coupled with his thoughtful insight and experiences as a psychologist make this a book we can all benefit from reading. He goes beyond hyperbole and hype to address the principles and practices of optimism.
Mark Sanborn, Leadership Expert and Author of The Fred Factor, You Dont Need a Title to be a Leader, and The Encore Effect
I am optimistic that this book will be a best seller. Henry Ford once said, Whether you think you can or whether you think you cant, youre right. Terry Paulsons newest book, The Optimism Advantage, will show you how you can see the opportunity in every encounter!
Dr. Tony Alessandra, Author of Charisma, and Hall-of-Fame Keynote Speaker
Terry Paulsons book The Optimism Advantage reminds us that optimism is a learned skill. This book is not the traditional self-help hype but a book that provides tried-and-true principles that inspire personal responsibility for living the life you have always dreamed about, as only an optimist can do. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and plan on having my 13-year-old daughter read it as well.
Jodi Walker, CSP, Professional Speaker and Author of Share A Kind Word: How to Use the Infinite Power of Words to Enhance Your Life at Home and at Work
Shifting ones perspective in life requires more than a positive attitude. Rather, its an approach to living with optimism and ambition. Dr. Terry Paulson lays out a clear and attainable vision for purposeful and joyous living. His tremendous expertise and meaningful insights contribute measurably to this insightful book.
Dr. Nido Qubein, President, High Point University, and Chairman, Great Harvest Bread Company
No psycho-babble here. Paulson puts it plainly and pleasantly: Life as a leader, boss, parent, partner, or spouse can drive you crazy unless you master your attitudes and actions. His book provides the perfect prescription.
Dianna Booher, Author of The Voice of Authority: 10 Communication Strategies Every Leader Needs to Know and Boohers Rules of Business Grammar: 101 Fast and Easy Ways to Correct the Most Common Errors
This book is about creating personal hope, filled with lessons and truths that will inspire you to not just believe, but confirm that the glass is more than half full.
Shep Hyken, Best-Selling Author of The Cult of the Customer
What an important book for such a time as this! This is not just a simple self help book that says to think differentlyTerry tells us how to actually take the steps to change your attitude and your life. To live and to succeed, this is a must read.
Bert Decker, CEO, Decker Communications, Inc.
This is the best time for you to take advantage of what Terry has to say about optimism. He is the master, and this book is a must! Dont let setbacks keep you from the progress you deserve.
Thomas J. Winninger, Founder of Winninger Institute for Market Resilience, Author of six books, including Get Out of the Boat: Discover the Purpose of Your Life
Results! Thats the key that Terry Paulson shares in The Optimism Advantage. This book is filled with more than Truths. It actually shows you how to turn those Truths into Results. If youre stuck, this book is the starters pistol. Pull the triggerbuy itread itget results.
W Mitchell, CPAE, 08-09 President of the Global Speakers Federation
The Optimism Advantage will motivate and inspire you to do your best and be your best, no matter whats happening around you, no matter your current circumstances. I highly recommend it.
Robert B. Tucker, Author of Innovation Is Everybodys Business
Optimism can be a chosen habit and a learned skill. Take Dr. Paulsons message to heart and learn to cultivate a healthier, more productive mindset. In all challenges we can learn to see opportunities. We can learn to overcome the emotions of gloom and guide others to a better path. Make this your advantage; read this book often!
Jim Cathcart, Author of Relationship Intelligence
The Optimism Advantage is clear, succinct, and has great transferable concepts that the reader can implement immediately. This is a valuable resource for professionals and leaders alike.
H. James Zinger, CSP, President, Hypmovation, Inc.
The Optimism Advantage is a must read! This landmark book may be the most important book you read this year. Each chapter is a road map to navigate current circumstances and take dominion of both attitude and actions. Important truths spring alive with profound stories and are then made actionable. Read this book and discover a more deeply fulfilling life.
Eli Davidson, M.A., Reinvention Expert, International Best-Selling Author of Funky to Fabulous
A leaders job is to keep hope alive. Before executives can ever expect to inspire others, they have to manage their own attitudes and actions. The Optimism Advantage gives leaders all the practical insights and ammunition they need to maintain a positive attitude and energize every communication.
Patricia Fripp, Keynote Speaker and Executive Speech Coach
In order to turn your setbacks into comebacks, it will take faith, focus, and follow through... and all these require the power of optimism! Terry Paulson has written a book that will change your inlook, uplook, and outlook! Read The Optimism Advantage and tell all your friends to read it! You will change your life and the lives of those you love! I highly recommend this book!
Willie Jolley, author of Turn Setbacks into Greenbacks: 7 Secrets for Going Up in Down Times
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This book is a culmination of personal and professional experiences, and study over the years. As such, there are many to acknowledge for their contribution.
For my parents, Ann and Homer, who challenged me with loving encouragement, modeled optimism every day, and made laughter and faith welcome companions on our familys joy ride through life, thank you for shaping and encouraging my optimistic attitude.
For my wife, Lorie, son, Sean, grandchildren, Micah, Jeremiah, Naomi and Chloe, and other members of my whacky and wonderful family, thank you for teaching me that the relationships you have in life make the ride worthwhile. Thanks for the love, memories, and the experiences yet to come.
For the thousands of audiences who have graced me with their presence, attention, laughter, applause, insights, and stories, thank you for helping me fill this book with tested insights that make a difference. You have taught me much of the wisdom I value and share.
For my speaking colleagues from Speakers Roundtable, Gold Coast Speakers, and the National Speakers Association, thank you for your years of inspiration, collaborative support, engaging quotes, and encouragement. You are the hope merchants who provide the motivation and messages that help others live their dreams and invent a better future.