Why We Should All Practice Reckless Optimism
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Why We Should All Practice Reckless Optimism

A philosophy created by YouTuber Hannah Hart

3669
Why We Should All Practice Reckless Optimism
Hannah Purtymun

If you have ever watched the YouTuber, Hannah Hart you will know a little bit about what I mean when I say we should all “Practice reckless optimism.” Hart describes the concept of reckless optimism as “...the idea that it’s hip and cool to hope for the best and try your hardest, even though the odds might be against you.” As I’ve watched more of the Hart YouTube channel this week she’s had me thinking more about what it means to try your hardest, what social justice really means, how important it is to be yourself and how to look on the bright side of things.

Reckless optimism is something that I have decided to take into my life and adopt as one of my values and practices. Sometimes bad things happen, sometimes things don’t work out exactly as you have planned and sometimes everything you imagined something to be falls flat. Stuff happens. I tend to have trouble adjusting to change, which is something I acknowledge. Right now, I am going a larger period of change than I am used to and I have found that “practicing reckless optimism” has really helped me to begin to get through the rough patch.

To me, “reckless optimism” means appreciating what you have, seeing opportunities where before you might have only seen a downside and taking chances. As a philosophy, reckless optimism fosters growth and change which is something that I know I need in my life, as I believe many of you may need as well. While some people might dismiss this philosophy as achievable because “Blanket optimism can be perceived as such a naive thing,” but reckless optimism is different from optimism in general. The difference is in that while you need to truly believe everything will be OK and you have to have faith in that believe, you also have to put a certain amount of effort into that optimism and ensuring the outcome. Bad things happen, it doesn’t mean it’s the end of the world and things will look up eventually. And that’s what reckless optimism is all about.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

95656
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments