Good morning! Around three years ago, I began crafting Monday’s Motivation, and I've been deeply touched by the sincere reactions it has garnered. As we enter the second quarter and embrace the blossoming of spring (in most areas), I'd like to reflect on some of the most popular and engaging MM posts from the past three years. Initially, when I launched Monday’s Motivation on Substack, my readership was quite limited. However, MM will return with fresh articles on Monday, April 15, 2024. I sincerely appreciate your continued support.
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It is easy to fall into the trap of despair and pessimism. Most recall FDR's famous "Infamy speech" as he addressed Congress on December 8, 1941, asking for a Declaration of War against the Empire of Japan. Less noted is the following story that occurred a few weeks after that epic dialogue:
"On Christmas Day 1941, Admiral Chester W. Nimitz was given a boat tour of the destruction wrought on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese. Big sunken battleships and navy vessels cluttered the waters everywhere you looked. As the tour boat returned to dock, the young helmsman of the boat asked, 'Well, Admiral, what do you think after seeing all this destruction?' Admiral Nimitz's reply shocked everyone within the sound of his voice. Admiral Nimitz said, 'The Japanese made three of the biggest mistakes an attack force could ever make, or God was taking care of America. Which do you think it was?' (https://www.thejournal-news.net/stories/nimitz-explains-blessings-at-pearl-harbor,11700)"
I fondly remember spending Sundays with my grandfather and him regaling me with stories centered around WWII. He did not serve, but like most Americans helped the war effort at home. I recall him telling me how fearful he and his family were after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. People were angry, upset, and banded together for the cause. At the time, America was not prepared to enter such a major battle, and considerable pessimism was in the air. It took the leadership of people like FDR and Admiral Nimitz to lift the spirits of Americans. Nimitz's contemporary, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill famously quoted that "a pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."
I could only imagine Nimitz's feelings while touring the decimated Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor. It would have been understandable for him to complain, maybe even shed a tear at the destruction. Instead, amid all the death and chaos, he saw hope and opportunity. It also gave his troops a sense of optimism. Even though the enemy landed a painful blow, they were not so intelligent and capable after all.
What does Admiral Nimitz have to do with Ted Lasso, the main character on Apple TV's hit series Ted Lasso?
Lasso, played by Golden Globe winner Jason Sudeikis, is a successful American college football coach who takes a job to manage an England professional soccer team. He knows nothing about the sport and is encountered immediately by angry fans, a miserable boss, recalcitrant players, and reporters set out to make him look like a fool. Through his trials and tribulations, he maintains his positive mannerisms and an upbeat attitude- showing genuine optimism. Even in the direst of situations, Lasso wins over the people who were out to defeat him. He begins to see some success and wins the respect of his peers. Yes, Ted Lasso is a fictional character. Still, he is an excellent example of authentic leadership and how an optimistic mindset can lead to feeling better about yourself and elevate those around you. If you are down, lift your chin up and find the silver lining in your situation!
“Choose to be optimistic. It feels better.” – Dalai Lama
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